Chapter 16

D'Artagnan forced his eyes open once more. This time though his head didn't seem to hurt as much, and although his body still ached, it was a more bearable than the last time he had woken. Pulling himself into a more upright position, he allowed his eyes to scan the room he was currently in. He vaguely remembered a young girl telling him that Thomas was alive and they were both safe in her home. Now though D'Artagnan knew he had to get back to Paris. He didn't know how long he had been out for, but he knew Aramis would think them both dead, and with that thought he would have given up the will to live. He just hoped he could get back before it was too late to save the musketeer. His face must have betrayed his thoughts, because they were interrupted by a man's voice as he spoke from the doorway.

"You do not need to worry Monsieur D'Artagnan. I have just sent one of my stable boys to Paris. A note with him for Captain Treville, assuring him that both you and the lad are well.

D'Artagnan felt no threat as he studied the older man stood watching him. He guessed the girl he had seen before was his daughter. These people had taken a risk and brought him and Thomas into their care. They had treated them both and offered endless comfort. He made a mental note to return with payment. Though if Treveille had been told of their rescue and safety he would no doubt come with coin to give for their troubles. But first he had to know here Thomas was.

"The young boy that is with me. Where is he? Can I see him please?" D'Artagnan asked, making a move out of the bed. He cursed inwardly as his injuries protested but was ever grateful that his head seemed to no spin at the movement. That was an improvement in itself of that he was sure. They needed to leave that day, the longer they were away the worse Aramis would get. He felt for his friends who would have to be dealing with him, as well as no doubt mourning the supposed death of both he and Thomas.

"He is with my daughter Collette. She took him outside to see the horses. He seems to have a fascination with them."

"Well he idolises his father who is also a musketeer. I believe Thomas longs to follow in his footsteps, and that means he gets to have a grand horse on day. He already has a small black pony at home." D' Artagnan chuckled before adding "Is he well?"

The man nodded in response and D'Artagnan cursed himself for not asking the man's name. After all he had saved their lives.

"He is almost back to full health. A few bruises to settle and still the arm to heal. But it is mending well, and I am sure once you return to Paris and seek proper medical attention it well be as good as knew. But we have done the best we can for the limb for what we have here."

"You have done more than enough Monsieur…" D'Artagnan trailed off indicating the man to give him his name.

"Monsieur Roux, and please it is the least we could have done. My daughter was rescued from bandits by a musketeer named Aramis when she was 14 years old. He brought here home to me safely, with injuries treated by a hand of surgeon. He was good man, and I knew when I saw you that you were not like the dead men that lay with you. When Collette told me that you were a musketeer, I knew we had done right." Roux explained. D'Artagnan listened in complete shock, smiling slightly at the treatment Aramis had shown to Collette. His gentle and kind nature always got him, no matter what the situation. It was no surprise that he had rescued a young girl from what could have been a terrible fate. But to be rescued by the same family? D'Artagnan shook his head slightly musing at the fate of the world.

"The boy is not your son. But he loves you that much I can tell." Roux interrupted his thoughts. D'Artagnan nodded slightly.

"You are right. He is the son of Aramis. The very man who brought your daughter back to you. And now I must return to Paris with Thomas. Aramis lost his wife at the hand of a rouge musketeer 5 months ago. We lost much of him with her death. Thomas is the tether he has to life, and he would think us dead. As would all my friends. I must get him home before his father loses his light in this world." D'Artagnan explained, reaching for his clothing that had been cleaned and placed by his bed. He felt a hand stopping him forcing him to look up.

"I have asked Treville to come to us, or at least send some of his men. I don't have the means to be able to get you back to Paris. So, I have asked for his help. Paris is half a day's ride from here. My boy will return by nightfall with news. I ask you to stay one more night. Until help comes to return you home. And please my deepest sympathy goes out to Aramis. He is a good man, and no doubt an amazing solider. I hope you can heal him with the return of his son. D'Artagnan sighed deeply he couldn't argue with the man.

"I will make you something to eat and get Collette to bring Thomas in to join us. He will be pleased to see you awake." And with those last words he left D'Artagnan to his thoughts while he gingerly got himself dress.

Treville was brought from his work by a loud knocking at his door. Frowning slightly, he called out to the person, slight surprise at seeing Marcus on the other side with a young lad. He couldn't quite read the look on the Musketeer's face which concerned him a little.

"Captain, this lad has just ridden from a small farm half a day ride from Paris. He has note for you. He says that both D'Artagnan and Thomas are alive and safe in his masters home." Marcus explained. It didn't take long for Treville to be on his feet, making his way to the young lad taking the note from him. Ripping it open, his eyes quick to scan the words written on the parchment. Relief flooded through him, and he found himself thanking the god above for keeping them alive. They had to get them both back to Paris without delay. He had been to visit Aramis just that morning. The young man was sick beyond help. His days since they had returned had been spent drugged by a mild sedative in the day with a heavier at night for him to sleep. He had no quality to life. He would barely eat, and he spoke little if at all. In his hand was the holy book of his faith, partnered with the cross the Queen had given him many years ago. His son's teddy at his side. He was waiting to die, and Treville knew that the thought of stopping his medicine and letting him be at peace had passed the minds of the others as well as him several times. But this was a knew hope, and a reason for Aramis to come back to them all. As much as his mind would allow him to.

Treville returned to his desk grabbing his quill, hastily writing back a reply to Roux. Handing the note to the boy, with the bag of coins from his desk, and a separate few for the lad himself.

"Return back to Monsieur Roux and tell him that I will come straight away with what he needs for us to bring D'Artagnan back home. Tell him we are forever in his debt" Treville said, guiding the lad from the room. Once the door was shut, he turned to Marcus.

"Go to Emilie's. Tell them what has happened and tell Athos and Porthos I want them here straight away. We leave as soon as we have all we need. We need to get Thomas back to his dad before it is too late."

Marcus didn't say a word, instead left to carry out his orders. Treville took a shaky breath and allowed a moment to gather his own thoughts. He couldn't believe how lucky they had been, but he couldn't shake the fear that had settled in him. Would they be too late to save Aramis from the hell he had fallen so deeply in?

I so enjoyed writing this again. You will have to bare with me for updates. I am actually and author working on a good few books at the moment (all fantasy) plus working full time, and also having a life lol. So I this story, and the next one I have planned will be written in my down time. I will try and get a chapter up a week, but I can't make any promises. Thank you for taking the time to read lovelies.