This chapter was a challenge as I continue to battle my writer's block. Aramis is about to do something very unwise which will lead to the revelations about who framed him. It will also lead to some whump in the next chapter. Please take the time to leave a review. I would find it very encouraging.
The Key to Salvation
Chapter Five
When Athos arrived back at the garrison his first thought was for the welfare of his friend. He scanned the yard, disappointed to find Aramis wasn't there. He dismounted and handed his horse over to the stable boy. He was just heading towards Aramis room when he heard a call.
"Athos."
He looked up to see Treville standing on his balcony. The Captain looked tired, raising Athos' concern. The King had been even more demanding that usual recently and most of the burden had fallen on Treville. He also had to contend with the tireless assault by Rochefort on the Musketeer regiment. Athos realised that he had been so focussed on Aramis' situation that he hadn't been giving as much support as usual to his commanding officer. His neglect shamed him.
"Where are Porthos and d'Artagnan?"
Athos sighed and approached the stairs. "Can we talk in your office?"
At Treville's nod he quickly climbed the stairs and followed the Captain inside. "Is something wrong?"
"No more than usual. Rochefort seems well on the way to convincing the King that we are incompetent. He is high in Louis' favour which makes him virtually untouchable."
"I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?" Athos mused, not for the first time, that it would have been better for everyone if they had let the villagers hang Rochefort for murder. The man was a menace and a threat to the stability of France.
"Thank you for the offer but all we can do is perform our duties to the best of our ability. Eventually the King will see the truth."
Athos wasn't entirely convinced. Louis had never seen the duplicity of the Cardinal so how likely was he to turn against Rochefort? "How's Aramis?"
Treville shook his head. "Not coping well. He came out of his room for a while but I haven't seen him this afternoon."
Athos stood at ease with his hands loosely clasped behind his back. "I'm afraid we're going to lose him again." He allowed his concern to show, trusting Treville implicitly to see his vulnerability when it came to his friend.
"He was talking about entering the priesthood."
"Yes, he said that to me too." Athos' stomach clenched. It was not good news that Aramis was discussing his distressing thoughts with someone other than the inseparables. He was deeply afraid that his brother would talk himself into making a rash mistake.
"The only way to stop him is to get him back his commission."
"Which brings us to Porthos and d'Artagnan. They are following up on a lead. One of the Queen's former servants lives in the city. She left the Queen's service a couple of months ago. It might be connected to Aramis."
"I don't understand."
"We believe one of the servants was paid to steal the necklace and blame Aramis. This woman was one of those who reported seeing Aramis near the Queen's chambers. Now she has given up a good job at the palace. Porthos and d'Artagnan are investigating whether or not she has suddenly come into money. If that yields no results there is someone else but he lives about a half day's ride from Paris. I would request leave to go and speak to him."
Treville shook his head regretfully. "That will have to wait. The King has sent word that he wants to go hunting at Fontainebleau. We leave in the morning for at least three or four days."
"We can't leave Aramis on his own." Athos' fear increased. Aramis was unwell and seemed to care little for his own health. How would he fare if they were not here to watch over him?
"There is no option. The King must be protected."
Athos gave a curt nod to show he was not unmindful of their duty. "Then we must hope Porthos and d'Artagnan find something of use."
TMTMTM
The barber had been and gone. Aramis looked at his reflection in the mirror. Now that his hair had been cut and his beard trimmed and shaped the sunken nature of his features had become more prominent. Dull eyes stared back at him, their usual sparkle missing. His mouth twisted in self-loathing for the pathetic creature he had become. He stumbled back to his bed and lay down, having no energy to do anything else. He knew it was late afternoon and that his friends would soon be returning but he couldn't summon up the enthusiasm to go down to the yard to meet them.
A short time later there was a brief knock before the door opened and Athos walked in. Aramis sat up and offered a weak smile.
"You look more like yourself," Athos said. "Did you eat today?" He pulled over a chair and sat down.
"Breakfast."
"What about lunch?"
"I forgot," Aramis confessed. "It isn't easy to get back into a normal routine."
"Then we should go and speak to Serge. I'm sure he will give you something to tide you over until suppertime."
"Maybe later," he said wearily.
"I won't allow you to become a recluse," Athos said sharply. "Treville tells me you have been in this room for most of the day. That has to stop. You are no longer a prisoner."
Aramis flinched and felt a flush stain his cheeks. "I know."
Athos gripped his arm. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you."
"Think nothing of it." Aramis moved his arm away from the unintentionally bruising grip and Athos' hand fell away.
"We are worried about you."
"Perhaps it would be better if I stayed someplace else."
"This is your home."
"Not any longer. I have no right to be here. I can't live on the Captain's charity forever."
"What is really bothering you?" Athos asked, regarding his friend closely.
Aramis sighed. "I watched the men go about their normal routines and realised I have nothing to do. I have no duties to attend to and no orders to follow."
"You feel as if you have no value? You are wrong, Aramis. Once you are stronger Treville can find things for you to do and we'll start your training so that you regain your fitness."
"A priest does not need to wield a sword or fire a pistol."
"Would you really be happy if you never held a sword again?"
"How can I be happy without my commission?" Aramis blurted out before lowering his eyes in embarrassment. "No, my old life is over. It's time I accepted that."
Against his better judgement Athos knew he had to offer his friend a crumb of hope. "You remember the two servants who gave evidence against you?"
"It would be hard to forget them." His tone conveyed his bitterness although he couldn't fault them for telling the truth. He had been near the Queen's apartments hoping to catch a glimpse of his son. It was a risk he had taken far too often and was one of which he knew Athos didn't approve.
"Both have left the Queen's service." If Athos in any way condemned him for his reckless behaviour it didn't show in his voice. "D'Artagnan and Porthos are visiting one now. The other lives in the village of Provins."
"I must speak to them."
"That wouldn't be a good idea, Aramis."
"Why not?"
"They're hardly likely to talk to the man they helped convict."
Feeling more energised Aramis stood up. "We should see if Porthos and d'Artagnan have returned."
Athos acquiesced with a nod and they went down to the yard. Aramis' shoulders sagged when they didn't see any sign of their friends.
"Come and eat while we wait." Athos steered him into the refectory before fetching a plate of bread, cheese and cold ham.
Aramis had eaten no more than two mouthfuls before the door opened to admit their brothers. "Well?" he asked eagerly. "What did you find out?"
D'Artagnan looked at Athos with a raised eyebrow. "You told him?"
Athos grimaced. "Yes."
Porthos snagged a piece of cheese from Aramis' plate and sat next to him. "We spoke to Madame Dumond. She left her post after her husband was injured. He needs constant care and she doesn't have any children to help."
"How can they afford to live without money coming into the household?" Aramis asked, his food forgotten.
"She says she is being helped by friends and neighbours," d'Artagnan replied. "I'm not sure I believe her."
"Aye, she was hidin' somethin' alright." Porthos pushed the plate closer to Aramis. "Eat."
Aramis picked up a slice of bread and dutifully took a bite. "She told you nothing more?"
"She was frightened. Particularly when we told her you'd been released."
"She might talk to me."
"More likely she'd faint from fright if you turned up on her doorstep," d'Artagnan said.
"What about the other one?" Aramis thought for a moment. "Monsieur Lemaire?"
"She claimed to know nothing about him."
"Then we must question him."
"That will have to wait," Athos said sadly. "We have been ordered to accompany the King to Fontainebleau. You will not go alone," he added sternly. "We will handle it when we get back."
Aramis lowered his eyes. "As you wish."
"I mean it, Aramis. You're not fit to go riding all over the countryside."
"I agree with you, my friend. Don't worry."
Athos was relieved to hear Aramis acknowledge his frailty. "We will only be away for a few days."
Men started to gather for the evening meal. Aramis made a determined effort to eat enough to satisfy his friends. He returned to his room shortly afterwards, his stomach feeling unpleasantly full. The discomfort and his racing thoughts made it difficult to sleep.
The next morning he was in the yard to see them off, looking more cheerful than he had since his release. After they had gone he waited an hour before heading to the stables. "Can you saddle a horse for me?" he asked Jacques.
The boy nodded and hurried about his task.
"Where are you going?"
Aramis turned to find Serge standing behind him looking suspicious. "I have been cooped up so long that I feel the need to get out of the city for a while."
"Athos wouldn't approve."
"Athos isn't here. I will only be gone for the day." He did his best to look innocent.
"I'd better pack you some food then." Serge limped away to the kitchen.
By the time everything was ready Aramis was seething with impatience. He mounted with some difficulty, gripping the reins tightly. "I will see you this evening." He rode through the archway and onto the road that would take him to Provins.
Tbc