Evening My Lovelies
Well... There's a lot going on in today's chapter but the evil part of me feels the need (and want) to warn you that as you've gone about 10 chapters without any serious OMG cliffhangers that you really are due one now :D
Notes On Reviews:
criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - BWHAHA love it! You're right to have a bad feeling about creepy corner guy, we'll see him again soon... By the way... do you remember a review or to ago when you suggested I have dragons? Well here you go! XD Enjoy the new chapter! x
Katie (Guest): Thank for the review - We've got a bit more to happen before they can hug. D'Art has to accept the truth before that can happen as the others are still hurt from D'Art not believing them. Glad I have you intrigued as to corner guy :) We'll be seeing him fairly soon. Enjoy the new chapter! x
Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - He's getting there with believing his brothers but we've got a chapter or two before that can happen. Our boys are definitely hurt and upset that D'Art doesn't believe them but they also understand that he's loyal to his family. Maria's keeping her opinions of Antoine to herself where D'Art and Corinne are concerned out of not wanting to hurt them more but she'll probably admit the them when the truth comes out. We'll be seeing who the man at the end was in either tomorrows or the day afters chapter. Enjoy the new chapter! x
Tidia: Thanks for the review - Maria would have a bit more of an impact as she actually knows the man but she's keeping her thoughts to herself so as to not hurt them more. Glad you liked the apology...having our boys at odds is painful to write :( Enjoy the new chapter! x
pallysdeeks: Thanks for the review - Don't worry too much about Quentin just yet he'll be appearing soon but our boys will get home safe... well relatively safe :D D'Art's getting closer to believing his brothers but will actually believe them in a few chapters time so just hold on until then :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Issai: Thanks for the review - It's okay she didn't go far. The boys would be risking another slap if they followed her given her mood lol. Quentin is currently being hunted by Corbett, Issac and Favier... we'll be checking in with them soon as well. Hmmm Would it be me if there wasn't trouble ahead? :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
KarenF (Guest): Thanks for the review - Glad you're excited, we've got a bit of drama coming our boys way today so be ready :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - Maria's keeping her thoughts on Antoine to herself at the moment because she doesn't want to hurt D'Art and Corinne more but she'll be more vocal about them in a couple of chapters time when D'Art finally accepts the truth. Glad you liked the apology. I'm not liking having our boys at odds (feels wrong :( ) so I had to write an almost brotherly moment. Corinne's blinded at the moment out of loyalty to her father but they'll get through to her soon. Oh drama's on its way worry not :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - D'Art's guilt is going to hit all new highs in the coming chapters so I'm really really hoping I can do him, and the plan I have in mind, justice. I haven't firmly decided Antoine's fate just yet so if there's something you'd like to see happen to him just let me know. Hmmm Aramis might not be joking after today... Enjoy the new chapter! x
WolfOfHiddenMoons: Thanks for the review - I'm so glad you've been enjoying my work and that you've taken the time to review :) I always love hearing peoples thoughts and opinions on my stories :D I'm always worried people might not like my extra characters as I keep finding myself growing quite attached to them and wanting to put them in the story more so I'm glad to hear you're enjoying reading them :D I have LOTS of drama and angst planned for this so hopefully you'll like it as much as the last one :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
WelshEssex (Guest): Thanks for the review - Worry not the discord will be clearing up fairly soon but D'Art has some BIG apologies to give before that can happen. Glad you're liking Maria, she's going to be the voice of reason when they try talking to Corinne in a chapter or two's time :) Good memory about the watch it was indeed the one from Lupiac :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Guilty D'Art is great and I'm really looking forward to the next few chapters where his guilt is reaching all new heights. I'm just hoping I can do him, and the plan I have in mind justice. D'Art's beginning to realize how much of a jerk he's been to his brothers but it'll truly hit in soon when he learns and accepts the truth. Glad you liked the banter, we've got a bit more today which I adored writing... It's random as hell but I really really love it :D Corinne's kinda blinded by her loyalty and love for her father to really see the truth but they'll get her to come around before too long. Maria's interesting to write because she has no such loyalty or love for the man and while she's biting her tongue about him at the moment to save her charges any pain she'll be letting loose in a chapter or twos time :) Antoine's not going to know what hit him when D'Art's brothers get involved that's for sure :) As for the man in the tavern you'll have to wait a little bit to see who he is :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
As always many thanks and much love for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading
Love you all!
Enjoy!
xxx
Chapter Thirty-Three: Paris
Staring at the mountain of paperwork on his desk with a small glare Captain Treville was seriously beginning to wonder how it had built up so much when it seemed like all he was doing lately was paperwork. The rebellious part of him wanted to ignore and possibly even destroy it but the mature part of him won out and he let out a small sigh and a quite curse under his breath before picking up the next piece on the pile
Before he could start it however there was a knock on the door.
"Enter," he called, his eyes not looking up from the document he was reading until whoever it was actually entered the room.
"Reynard?" he said, surprised to see the musketeer in his office and worried for the reason behind it, especially seeing the man was somewhat winded.
"H-Henri's back sir, panted the musketeer, slightly winded from having run from his spot on the watch tower to inform Treville, who had demanded word reach him immediate as soon as there was any update on D'Artagnan or the men who rode out after him.
Without saying a word Treville stormed out of his office, Reynard sharply on his heels, before reaching the courtyard where Henri was just dismounting his horse.
"I expected more than one of you back," stated Treville, worry and concern thick in his voice as the remainder of the garrison watched on, waiting with bated breath.
"Athos sent me ahead sir," answered Henri, passing the reigns of his exhausted horse over to Jacques who smiled fondly at the beast before leading her back to the stables, whispering promises of treats and a good brush down as they went.
Treville, and indeed much of the regiment let out sighs of relief at that. "You found them then?"
Henri nodded before moving to the bench to sit. He had ridden as fast and as hard as his mare could handle to ensure he reached Paris in good time but that had left him with the unfortunate side effect of quite painful leg cramps.
"They should be leaving the village they were staying at either today or tomorrow, Aramis wanted to give D'Artagnan and Athos a bit of time to rest up before beginning the journey home."
Treville let out another sigh of relief at the knowledge that, despite being hurt, D'Artagnan was indeed alive.
"I'm sure Athos sent you back for a reason," said the Captain, his voice taking on the serious tone it always did whenever he was becoming focused on a job. "Talk me through what happened."
For the next hour or so the entire regiment listened with rapt attention as Henri explained as much as he could about the situation D'Artagnan had inadvertently found himself in.
"Quentin," growled Treville as he fought the urge to throw something across the courtyard as anger and fury settled within in. "I should have suspected he'd be involved with something when Issac and Favier mentioned the direction he seemed to be travelling in."
Before Henri could respond the Captain was turning to address the rest of the men. "All non-crucial missions are now cancelled until further notice. Quentin is a vicious, vindictive man and I have no doubt he will target our brothers again after suffering such a wound at Athos's hand. The people of Paris must be kept safe from him and his men so I am doubling patrols, you hear word of anything that sounds suspicious you bring it to me before investigating. We almost lost several of our best to that man I wont have you risking yourselves on a hunch. Those of you with contacts both in and around the city I want you to reach out, the more prepared we are the better chance we have of ending this monsters reign once and for all." The musketeers cheered at this, determination burning brightly in each of their eyes as they set off to prepare for what was to come.
"Henri I want you to speak to Doctor Pascal. He needs to know as much as possible about the injuries our men have suffered so he can be prepared for their arrival. Aramis could only take so much and I have no doubt his supplies are beginning to come incredibly sparse."
"Yes sir," nodded Henri as he forced his aching limbs to move so he was standing, "Then what sir?"
For the first time since Henri had arrived in the garrison Treville's expression softened slightly as he placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Then you head to your room and get some much needed rest, no doubt you are weary from the journey and we will need you at your best when Quentin shows himself."
Frowning at the idea of being forced to rest Henri nodded, knowing that trying to fight the man on this was a futile endeavor.
"Good man," smirked Treville before leaving to head back into his office.
VILLAGE TAVERN
"…'Mis?" said a slightly amused Porthos with barely concealed curiosity as he and Athos noticed the medic standing just around the corner of the door to D'Artagnan's room, a soft, fond smile lighting up his face as he eavesdropped on his younger brother.
Startling slight at the sudden appearance of his other brothers Aramis was quick to shush them before turning eagerly back to what he had been listening in on. His brothers, now burning with curiosity, followed suit.
"Did you weally fwight a dwagon?" exclaimed the young voice belonging to the tavern owner's son, Théo. The boy was five winters old and had instantly latched himself onto the younger musketeer when he had found him after escaping his mother's watch on the musketeer's second morning in the village.
The young boy had noticed the swords worn by the musketeers and had apparently come to the conclusion that the four men were knights like in his bedtime stories and was frequently found in D'Artagnan's room begging for stories of the man's quests and adventures.
His mother had apologized several times, realizing that the younger musketeer was recovering from several serious wounds, but each time she did D'Artagnan simply brushed her off with a smile, letting her know he didn't mind her son's visits.
Despite not back on their normal brotherly terms quite yet the three senior inseparables couldn't help but notice how much the young boy's exuberant energy and eagerness to listen was helping to improve D'Artagnan's sour mood.
Presently it was the morning they were preparing to finally leave the village and head back to Paris and Théo had finally convinced D'Artagnan to tell him what happened to cause his injuries. D'Artagnan decided the truth was too dark for someone Théo's age and instead decided to fabricate a story of an epic fight with a dragon that was terrorizing the village he had grown up in.
Théo had been enraptured as soon as the Gascon started his tale and Aramis hadn't had the heart to go in and interrupt, hence remaining hidden round a corner eavesdropping in on the story.
"Of course," nodded D'Artagnan with a soft smile as he nodded to his bandaged arm before nodding to the two women watching with fond smiles and amusement dancing in their eyes. "It got me good but I saved my damsels."
Théo was about to ask another question when his mother walked in, once again apologizing for her son's refusal to leave him alone before dragging the now protesting boy off so the musketeer could prepare for his trip.
"A dragon?" teased Aramis with a smirk as he moved, with Blaise who had just joined them, to help the younger man up.
D'Artagnan's face flushed with embarrassment. "Didn't want to scare him."
"And a dragon wont?" snorted Porthos as he adjusted his grip on the bags he was holding.
"He thought we were knights!" protested D'Artagnan with a small smile, "Knights fight dragons!"
"Come on sir knight," teased Aramis as they began to make their way to the wagons outside, "Your magnificent steed awaits."
It was almost five days later when a bedraggled group of musketeers and two women entered the garrison gates. The group, despite their best efforts had not managed to find shelter when in started raining the night before and so was left in damp clothes and was forced to endure spending a night on the damp ground.
Normally this wouldn't be much of an issue but, as the group quickly realized, D'Artagnan's system was significantly weaker than usual due to his injuries and the night spent in the rain had caused him to develop a cold that had been getting significantly worse as the day progressed.
During their journey that last day Aramis had been forced to move into the wagon with D'Artagnan and Athos so he could monitor the boy's rapidly declining condition and the medic, although he had not voiced it to the others, had the sinking feeling their brother had developed pneumonia.
Even as they entered the garrison gates and were met by joyous exclamations from their comrades, Aramis's eyes never left D'Artagnan's form.
Over the last few hours D'Artagnan's fever had spiked and he was now shivering violently despite the blankets they had covered him with. The Gascon was also having trouble breathing and the harsh coughs that escaped his dry throat every now and then had everyone around him wincing in sympathy and concern.
"We need to get him to the infirmary, NOW" ordered Aramis in a voice that brokered no argument and the path before them quickly opened up so Porthos, who had moved to pick the Gascon up in his arms could reach the infirmary unimpeded, Aramis following quickly on his heels while Athos moved as quickly as his knee and crutch would allow, each of the three men ignoring any calls for answers or offers of aid as their entire focus remained on their baby brother.
"Henri," called Treville as he watched his best men move with a worried frown. Once he had the man's attention he continued. "Get the ladies settled in one of the spare rooms and I want word brought to them as soon as an update on D'Artagnan's condition is given."
Henri nodded before getting both Maria and Corinne to follow him, both women moving reluctantly while sending worried looks to the closed infirmary door.
Seeing the women taken care of Treville turned back to Blaise and Alain, both who were doing little to hide their growing concern for the young Gascon.
"Both of you return to your rooms and freshen up. I want you both in my office in a hour to debrief, should D'Artagnan's condition change in that time or if an update is given I'll have word sent to you."
The two men looked reluctant to move when the condition of their youngest comrade and friend was so unknown but followed the Captain's orders when he literally pushed their backs to get them moving.
After that those of the regiment still in the courtyard resumed their normal duties, albeit with somewhat frequent gazes to the closed infirmary door.
It was hours later before things began to calm down fully and the men would allow themselves to relax. News had come from the infirmary, courtesy of Henri who had stormed his way in after an hour or two and demanding answers before storming back out and letting everyone that D'Artagnan had a case of mild pneumonia and while in fairly serious condition was responding well to their attempts to heal him.
However the calm that had followed that new all but evaporated the instant the sound of a gunshot filled the air.