Ok, I'm posting two chapters today because this one is kind of short...Hopefully they can tide you over through the weekend! Thanks again for the kind reviews! I'm a little overwhelmed tbh. :-)
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Morning dawned, cool and grey but the mood around the camp was much lighter. Aramis seemed less burdened and was chatting almost merrily as they struck camp and mounted their horses.
The sun was fighting its way through the clouds as the trio finally entered the coastal town, busy with villagers and vendors in a crowded town square. As the musketeers made their way towards the inn, locals skirted their path casting wary glances at the fleur-de-lis on their pauldrons. A man in his middle ages leaning against a fence post stared openly at the group, and set off as soon as they passed him.
Handing their mounts to a stable boy, they entered the inn. "Not the friendliest of welcomes…" muttered Porthos.
"But not exactly hostile," replied Athos as he threw a cursory glance around the inn at its patrons and the man behind the bar.
"Good day gentlemen, what can I…-" the innkeeper began, then broke off suddenly, his eyes widening on Aramis.
"We will need a room," Athos responded, ignoring the innkeeper's reaction.
"Yes…of course…right away. May I ask, how long do you gentlemen intend on staying with us?" the innkeeper stammered.
"We have business with the General on behalf of the King, and should be here for a few days at least," answered Aramis, politely.
"Unless that's an inconvenience to you…" questioned Athos with a stern look and a raised eyebrow.
"No! Of course not! The King's elite guard are always welcome – though I should mention, the General may not be here at the moment. It is unlikely he or his party will be returning much before tomorrow at the earliest. My name is Javert and I own this inn. You must be hungry? Thirsty? Let me show you to your rooms and perhaps have something brought to you to eat," he said.
"I could eat," said Porthos.
"You could always eat," grinned Aramis as the men followed Javert to a large room with three beds on the second floor.
"Perhaps it would be prudent to call at the manor first," suggested Athos. "We could leave word with the staff of our arrival."
"Somehow I think they're already aware. Somethin' tells me they don't get a lot of musketeers around here," said Porthos.
"All right," said Aramis with a resigned sigh. "May as well get this over with quickly. Thank you Javert. We will return shortly and will let you know if we require anything else," he said offering the man one of his charming grins.
"Yes sir. Thank you sir. And may I say, welcome back," the old man blustered as he quickly backed out of the room.
Aramis stared after the man, then ducked his head, sobriety replacing the previous humour.
"You ok?" asked Porthos who had immediately responded to the droop in his friend's shoulders with a warm hand on the back of his neck.
"I'm fine, mon ami. I'm just surprised he recognized me. Ok, the sooner we get there and can see the General, the sooner we can leave," he said and led the way out the door.
oOo