Updated: Monday 25th/9/2023

Chapter 5: On The Road

As expected, Phillipe and Helena weren't thrilled that D'Artagnan was leaving. But they knew he was stubborn. Considering how many times he could have died and didn't. So, they knew that since he found out how bad off his brothers were there would be no stopping him from going. So, Phillipe and Helena were going to try and make the journey more manageable for the young Gascon.

Phillipe had been mixing up herbs for pain and muscle relaxing draughts to help with D'Artagnan's leg when it acted up and from being in the saddle for long periods of time. Helena was getting extra provisions as D'Artagnan still needed to bring up his weight that he had lost due to captivity and from having to fight against two fevers. She also got a couple of extra blankets.

Both Phillipe and Helena had explained to the Four Musketeers what they could possibly expect from D'Artagnan and that the young man seemed to have a difficult time of anyone touching him. Which wasn't surprising considering what he had been through. They also told the Musketeers about the Gascon's nightmares and especially about his leg and the odd injury that was taking time to heal. And emphasized the fact they needed to make D'Artagnan to take his medicine.

The Four Musketeers nodded and agreed with them and promised to take good care of him. Not just because the Inseparables would kill them if anything happened to the Gascon. But also, because D'Artagnan was a friend and they didn't want to see him more hurt then he already was.

So, the morning of the second day they had gathered their supplies and were packing them onto the five horses.

Pierre and the others had noticed D'Artagnan's saddle was a bit different from theirs.

"It is to help him with his leg. His leg is nowhere near healed properly. He needs this saddle to give him a bit more comfort riding and to add a little bit more support for the right leg", Phillipe tells them.

"How did you get this made for him without any money?" Jean asks him.

"Everyone around here has grown attached to the young man even after only meeting him briefly. The local Blacksmith offered his services in making it after seeing how much D'Artagnan wanted to be able to ride. When D'Artagnan got into the saddle for the first time he had such a look of joy in his face that it was worth it. He has only made small trips around town with it. But it will have to do", Phillipe tells them making sure the saddle was firmly in place.

"Should he be doing this?" Pierre asks him quietly.

Phillipe sighs, "There isn't a right answer for that. As I believe if he stays here knowing what he knows about what his brothers are going through would make him worry until he was sick again. So, I hate to admit this he might be better recuperating in Paris with his Brothers tending too him. Which from what I hear from him and you four that they would be doing"

"Oh yeah. They are not going to let him out of their sights for a VERY, very, long time", Pierre chuckles.

"Mother Henning and overprotective are going to be two of their new middle names", Piers chuckles.

"What is this?" a voice calls out.

The five mean turn to see D'Artagnan hobbling towards them with Helena by his side.

"Just saying how Athos, Porthos and Aramis are not going to be letting you out of their sights for a VERY, Very, long time", Piers chuckles.

D'Artagnan rolls his eyes, "I already know that. They are going to be insufferable"

"Just a bit", Jean jokes.

"I might actually admit I am willing to let them", D'Artagnan admits.

"Why is that?" Pierre asks.

"Because that will make them feel better and me too", D'Artagnan admits whispering the end bit.

D'Artagnan was going to welcome the feeling at feeling safe again. That he admits that only his Brothers would be able to achieve. As he didn't even feel truly comfortable with Pierre, Roul, Jean and Piers. He didn't even know how he was going to rest on this trip back as he would always be worrying about watching his back. As he didn't know if these Four would truly do that. Well, they would but his mind was arguing strongly about it. As the only ones he had ever trusted to have his back weren't available at the moment. In fact, they would need HIM to be strong and get back to the Garrison so he would be able to watch their backs.

D'Artagnan knew he would just have to suck it up but with how his mind was it was going to be hard. But he NEEDED to make this trip.

"Have we got everything?" D'Artagnan asks shaking his head of the bad thoughts that were starting to penetrate his mind.

"I believe so", Pierre replies as they double check their saddle bags.

All their horses were carrying extra. As they wanted to be well prepared if D'Artagnan need a longer rest then normal.

"Ok then I better…", D'Artagnan was going to mount when Phillipe stops him.

"I have two parting gifts for you my friend", Phillipe tells him with a smile.
"You have already done enough I can't…"

"Here a Musketeer needs a sword, knives and pistols. Take these may they serve you well", Phillipe tells him handing him the sword, three knives and two pistols' items.

D'Artagnan takes them looking at them with awe.

"I can't possible…"

"Yes, you can. You need them more then I do. They need to be put to good use and what better use is this?" Phillipe asks his rhetorically with a friendly small clasping the man's shoulder in friendship and comradeship.

D'Artagnan was overwhelmed with emotion. After all he had lost his weapons when he was kidnapped and it was unlikely, he would ever get those spiecal items back again. But these he WOULD carry with pride.

"I will carry them with pride", D'Artagnan tells him his voice thick with emotion.

Phillipe helps him attach his new sword in its scabbard to his belt and the knives also in the belt. His pistol in a holster on his hip and the other pistol went on a holster on his horse's saddle for easy access.

"Take care of yourself", Helena tells him hugging him gently ignoring the slight flinch.
"I will try", D'Artagnan replies, "But trouble has a way of finding me"

The Four other Musketeers snort at that.

"Isn't that right", Piers chuckles.

"Keep him out of trouble", Helena orders them.

"As we said we'll do our best but D'Artagnan just invites trouble", Pierre tells them.

Phillipe gives the young man a hug and then helps D'Artagnan mount his horse after D'Artagnan tucks his cane into the side of his saddle.

None of them missed the deep wince/flinch as he manoeuvred his bad leg into position. And they didn't miss the deep breaths he was taking to overcome the pain he was feeling.

The Four Musketeers began to wonder if they were truly making the right decision as they too mounted their horses.

"I can't thank you both and this town enough for what you have done for me these last few months. You have done so much for me and I am not sure I can ever repay you. But I promise I will find myself back here to thank you all in person when I am fully recovered. You have my word as a Kings Musketeer", D'Artagnan says to them tipping his hat.
"It was our pleasure. But you did most of the work. You fought hard and won the first hurdles. Hopefully your Brothers can help you overcome the next few", Helena tells him smiling.

"I have left a letter for your Brother…Aramis, wasn't it? To read so he knows what I did to care for you", Phillipe tells him.

"I am sure it will be greatly appreciated", D'Artagnan replies drily.

Knowing that Aramis would appreciate it. So, he could come up with his own treatment plan for his Brother. That was what D'Artagnan was already predicting.

"Take it easy and good luck too you", Phillipe tells him.

D'Artagnan nods.

Pierre starts to guide his horse out and the others follow with D'Artagnan moving to the middle of the group.

The Five Musketeers turn slightly in their saddles and wave goodbye the Phillipe and Helena. But also a few of the townspeople who were watching them leave.

D'Artagnan sighs he was finally on his way home. And then he could rest when he was back within arm's reach of his Brothers.

Hopefully their trip would at least be partially easy.

If only if he knew…

~~Author's Note: What Do You Think? Please Review:)~~