Evening My Lovelies :)
Dear God this chapter was difficult to write! I had no idea what I wanted to do with it so I ended up completely winging it, hopefully it's still good though. It is however the shortest chapter I've written in a while thanks to the massive writers block that hit me so apologies for that.
Notes On Reviews:
Deana: Thanks for the review - Glad you liked it, I needed a cutesy brotherly moment and that's what came out. Enjoy the new chapter! x
pallysdeeks: Thanks for the review - Hmmm you might be right to be worried :) I loved writing that comfort scene so I'm really glad you liked it. Enjoy the new chapter! x
criminally charmed: Thanks for the review - Haha a very succinct way of summarizing the chapter :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Debbie (Guest): Thanks for the review - Phew! Glad you thought he was still in character, I wasn't really sure but didn't want to change it as I really liked how it turned out. Enjoy the new chapter! x
Maryg (Guest): Thanks for the review - Haha I think that would be wise :) Glad you thought Athos was still in character, that's a bit of a relief for me :) Enjoy the new chapter! x
Issai: Thanks for the review - Treville probably shouldn't have taken his anger out on Reynard... I think I need to give him the opportunity to punch something/someone just to get it all out of his system. I have a vagueish plan for Marcel which may seem a bit odd after today's chapter but stick with me and it should (hopefully) make sense soon. I loved writing that scene with Athos and Aramis, he's definitely given the medic something to think about but I doubt it'll be that easy. Enjoy the new chapter! x
f1gymnast: Thanks for the review - The backup will be appreciated :) I agree, Aramis would take good care of Athos's clothes. Enjoy the new chapter! x
MicheeO: Thanks for the review - Hahaha that's the point! :D Enjoy the new chapter! x
Lilac Lavender: Thanks for the review - Haha I don't know why but at the *Rubs Hands* bit of your review my mind pictured Mr. Burns in the Simpsons when he does his "Excellent" thing lol. Our trio is definitely not returning to the garrison unscathed I can promise that :) Athos was full on protective mode yesterday though I'm glad you liked the glare :D I was tempted to have one of the other boys stay back instead but no one can glare quite like Athos. I LOVED writing that scene between our two boys yesterday so I'm really happy you liked it. Athos's words have given Aramis something to think about but it's not gotten rid of the guilt. Enjoy the new chapter! x
As always much love and many thanks for following/favouriting/reviewing/reading. You guys are awesome!
Enjoy!
xxx
Chapter Seventy: In The City
"I will alert all my men to keep a sharp eye out when patrolling," stated the guard Captain as he addressed the weary musketeers before him, "Should we have the opportunity to apprehend him I will send a runner to the garrison with news."
"Thanks Perce," smiled Porthos, shaking the man's hand before turning to leave with his brothers. The musketeer regiment had always tried to have good relations with the city guards, unlike the red guards who saw them as little more than an inconvenience and something to be mocked. As such the local guards were usually more than willing to do the odd job or complete the occasional request from any musketeer, particularly if the request came from Captain Treville.
Much like the musketeer regiment, the city guards were extremely loyal to their Captain, having suffered several corrupt leaders in the past. Early into his job as regiment Captain, Treville managed to save the life of the guard's newest Captain, even sustaining a non life-threatening but still scar worthy injury in the process. The guards never forgot that service and often went out of their way to complete any request sent to them by the musketeer Captain.
"Porthos!" called Percy, the guard Captain as he hastened out of his office to catch up with the men.
"Was there something else Captain?" enquired the larger musketeer
"Do you need extra men at the garrison?"
The musketeer blinked in surprise at this generous offer.
"Aren't your men already doing double patrols to cover the absence of most of our regiment anyway?" asked Corbett curiously.
"Aye," nodded Percy, the exhaustion of the last few days clear on the guard Captain's face though he remained cheerful. "But our reports state your men should be back later tonight or first thing in the morning. I can spare a couple of men if you think it'll help."
Both Corbett and D'Artagnan turned to Porthos, letting him decide how to answer this offer.
"Keep your men Perce," smiled Porthos though it was slightly strained and didn't completely reach his eyes. "We doubt he'll do it but he's targeted civilians before," stated the musketeer thinking both of Vivienne's capture and D'Artagnan's broken arm. Whilst both people had links to the regiment they were both technically civilians. "With our current numbers what they are the people are relying on you and your men."
Percy looked uncomfortable at not being able to help out more but he also recognized what the musketeer was talking about and nodded stiffly, holding out his hand again. "God speed musketeers, I wish you luck on your hunt."
Both D'Artagnan and Porthos smiled at the man in thanks before turning to leave… Corbett on the other hand had a slightly feral look to his grin and stated with a smirk, "Luck wont be necessary but thank you anyway."
Percy watched on in amusement as Porthos shook his head fondly at the musketeer's antics before throwing his arm around his shoulders and pulling him away.
As the trio made their way to Athos's lodgings the two musketeers became increasingly aware of the silence and worried look their youngest companion was sporting.
"Whelp?" Porthos asked with a small hint of concern in his voice, his concern for the lad's odd behavior had only grown when the Gascon had stopped in the middle of the street, a longing look entering his eyes as he stared down a street.
"Something wrong D'Artagnan?" queried Corbett, his hand coming to rest on the pommel of his blade as he moved to stand beside the boy, his keen eyes searching for what had forced the boy to stop.
Porthos was the first one to realize what it was all about. "Constance?" he asked, sighing when D'Artagnan nodded.
"Constance?" Corbett questioned, "Bonacieux's woman?" the musketeer not missing the tightening of the Gascon's grip on his sword pommel nor the faint blush that appeared on his cheeks at the mere mention of the fiery redhead's name.
"We can't whelp," said Porthos sadly, "You heard the Captain. Athos's rooms, Guard's office, no where else and no deviations."
"But she could be in danger!" exclaimed D'Artagnan, every fiber of his being wanting nothing more than to run to the woman's side and ensure her safety.
Corbett blinked, not understanding why the Gascon was so sure about that. "How so? She's not a musketeer, nor is she related to one. Marcel has no reason to go after her."
"She's friends with us!" exclaimed D'Artagnan gesturing between himself and a silent Porthos. "She's been regularly seen talking with us, including Aramis. She needs to be warned at the very least."
"…Whelp," sighed Porthos hating all the decisions that seemed to be resting with him lately.
"Please Porthos," begged the Gascon, desperation in his voice as his mind continued to think of all the horrible things Marcel could do to her.
Porthos turned to look at Corbett who simply shrugged, silently agreeing to follow the senior musketeer's lead.
Turning to look back at D'Artagnan, Porthos silently cursed as he noticed the boy had turned on his infamous puppy-dog eyes. Unable to resist the look being sent his way he nodded, his own lips twitching to a smile at the beaming grin D'Artagnan sent his way.
"We don't go inside," stated Porthos seriously, his expression hard as he dared D'Artagnan to argue with him. "This isn't a social call, we stay long enough to warn her to be on her guard and then we leave, understood?"
D'Artagnan looked like he was going to argue for a moment but seemed to understand that they were already risking enough deviating against the Captain's orders and so nodded instead.
"You sure about this Porthos?" asked Corbett as they waited for D'Artagnan to finish speaking with Constance. "The Captain aint gonna be happy if he finds out we did this."
Porthos sighed, his hand coming up to wipe away some of the exhaustion in his face. "Had no choice," he stated, his eyes never leaving the form of his littlest brother. "Whelp would have gone without us if we didn't agree, seen that look in his eyes before."
True to Porthos's orders D'Artagnan refused to enter the Bonacieux household, choosing instead to warn the woman he loved to stay inside and not answer the door for anyone she didn't know.
Constance looked concerned at the news, even more so at the state of her lodger but after a bit of prodding she agreed to do as he asked, watching worriedly from her window as he returned to the musketeer's sides.
"Right," grinned Corbett, "To Athos's now?"
Both Porthos and D'Artagnan nodded and the group began to make its way to the swordsman's home.
"Thank you," said D'Artagnan, quiet enough that Corbett wouldn't hear but loud enough that Porthos would.
"For what?"
"Letting me warn Constance. I'll take full responsibility of the deviation from the Captain."
Porthos smiled fondly at the young man beside him, reaching out and ruffling his hair as he laughed at the boy's attempts to bat him away. "She's our friend too whelp. The Captain will understand."
The remainder of the trip to Athos's home was spent in lighthearted banter between the three men.
"Wow," whistled Corbett as he took in the state of Athos's rooms while Porthos and D'Artagnan grabbed some clothes for Aramis.
"What?" D'Artagnan asked curiously
"Athos actually has more furniture in here then I thought," stated the musketeer teasingly. "I always figured him for little more than a bed, chair and table."
Porthos chuckled, "That's 'Mis's doing. Practically forced all this stuff in here after a few months of us all being friends. Stated that he had the room to handle the furniture and that it was likely we'd spend a lot of time here so it needed to be able to accommodate us."
Corbett snorted, "Sound's like something Aramis would do… So was he right?"
Nodding Porthos felt his grin widen, "'Mis says 'Thos likes having us here more then he'll admit."
D'Artagnan smirked, "And Athos?"
Porthos's grin turned to a smirk to match D'Artagnan's "Thinks Aramis just invites himself round for his wine."
The trio laughed, relishing in the feeling of lightheartedness that was briefly overtaking the tension of the last few weeks.
"We should get back," Porthos stated once they had all stopped laughing. "Captain will be getting worried if we don't return soon."
As they began to head back to the garrison Porthos began telling D'Artagnan a funny story from the beginning of the inseparables partnership.
It was at this point, both men expecting some sort of teasing sarcastic comment from Corbett that they realized something was wrong.
Spinning on their heels to face the man who had been following behind them the two men were horrified to realize that Corbett was no where to be seen.
"He was right behind us!" exclaimed Porthos as they began to back track, actively searching everywhere possible for the missing man.
"Porthos!" cried D'Artagnan as he noticed a familiar pair of boots sticking out of a pile of barrels.
With both Porthos and D'Artagnan focused on the unconscious form of Corbett, neither of them noticed the figure sneaking up behind them until it was too late.
D'Artagnan fell first, a blinding pain erupting at the back of his head mere moments before darkness claimed him.
"D'ART!" exclaimed Porthos, halfway through turning to face the attacker when he too was knocked unconscious.