Part 6

"He should've returned by now."

D'Artagnan paced away from the table once more, his hands twisting in frustration, his eyes on the road beyond the archway.

"He'll be fine," Aramis called out once again. He glanced at Porthos who rolled his eyes at the anxiety enveloping the youngest member of their group. They had returned directly from the morgue after watching Athos ride off in the opposite direction toward the Pont Neuf and the Palace. It had occurred to the marksman that Athos might decide to confront the Cardinal in his present state, but knew the man's self-control would not allow him to create a situation he would not be able to get himself out of.

So, believing Athos would not act out of grief or anger, he had followed Porthos back to the garrison, burying his concerns for one comrade under those for another.

Treville was awake, though still weak, but as Daquin had assured, the feeling in his legs was returning as he healed and at present he was able to move his toes, which had done wonders for the overall disposition of the men under his command.

"d'Artagnan, sit down," Porthos ordered, not for the first time. The younger man's anxiety was beginning to gnaw on the big man's nerves and Aramis couldn't completely stifle the chuckle that rose up at his friend's frustration.

D'Artagnan, ignored him, forcing Aramis to intercede before Porthos took matters into his very capable hands.

"I'd do what he asks, my friend. Porthos isn't one to exercise endless patience."

D'Artagnan sighed and with a final look to the archway, reluctantly slouched down next to Aramis.

"Where is he?"

Aramis smiled and placed an arm along the younger man's shoulders. "Everyone deals with grief in their own way. Athos needs solace to make sense of it. He'll be back. And then we can take him out and get him properly drunk."

D'Artagnan nodded. "I just want to talk to him. Make sure…"

"He won't blame you, lad." Porthos assured him once more. "You've gotta get that out of your head."

"I should've done… something, anything to save her."

"It was an accident," Aramis consoled him. "Athos knows that. You are not at fault."

D'Artagnan didn't look convinced.

"d'Artagnan, did you push Milady in front of that horse?"

The younger man looked at him in horror. "No! Of course not!"

"Did you somehow make the horse rear up and strike her?"

"No." The Gascons's voice was a bit quieter as Aramis' logic began to temper his guilt.

"Then how can you be blamed for something you had no control of?"

D'Artagnan considered this for a few moments then sighed, frustrated. "I can't."

Porthos chuckled. "Finally."

Aramis slapped him on the back. "Athos considers you his brother. He trusts you would never do anything to cause him pain. Can you give him the benefit of the doubt that he will not hold you accountable for something you had no power to change?"

D'Artagnan nodded. "I guess." He looked up at Aramis, and the marksman frowned, puzzled by the sincerity in his eyes. "You know that goes for me, too, right? I would never do anything that could bring you harm." He looked quickly to Porthos then back to Aramis again. "Either of you."

Aramis nodded, his eyes searching his young friend's, suddenly realizing exactly what he was trying to say.

He knew.

Aramis felt his breath catch in his throat, his heartbeat quicken in his chest. He swallowed hard, his eyes holding d'Artagnan's in alarm.

"d'Artagnan…," he breathed, his voice failing him.

No. This was something he could not accept. It was bad enough Athos' and Porthos' lives were at risk, he couldn't stand to be have d'Artagnan's neck in the noose alongside them. He had been desperate to keep his secret from the younger man, knowing he would never be able to live with placing that kind of weight on the Gascon's shoulders. It wasn't that he didn't believe d'Artagnan loyal enough to their brotherhood to keep the secret, it was knowing how torn he would be between his duty to them and his duty to the Crown. How could Aramis force him to choose? After all they had tried to teach him, to show him of duty and honor, how could he put d'Artagnan in such a position to have to chose between those loyalties?

"Aramis, it's all right." D'Artagnan seemed to sense his turmoil and placed a hand on his arm, squeezing reassuringly. "I understand. And I would never betray your trust."

Porthos, who had finally deduced what was happening, sighed in relief.

Aramis looked away, unable to meet the sincerity in d'Artagnan's gaze. "I'm sorry. I never wanted you to know. I never wanted any of you to be put in peril because of my weakness."

"It's no weakness to love, Aramis,' d'Artagnan assured him. He snorted a laugh. "I of all people can understand that kind of want. I do not blame you for giving into something I wish with all my heart I could have."

Aramis blinked back the burning behind his eyes and sighed. He lowered his head, running his hands through his hair, unable to meet the concern he knew shone on both his brothers' faces. He had no idea how he had been lucky enough to find friends such as these, but he would forever thank God for allowing him to be so blessed. "I can never express how fortunate I am that fate brought you both into my life." He lowered his hands, clasping them on the table and gave Porthos, then d'Artagnan a tremulous smile.

Porthos' big hand covered his as d'Artagnan once again squeezed his forearm. "No need, 'Mis. We're family, eh?"

"All for one," d'Artagnan placed a hand over Porthos' and grinned.

Aramis nodded. "And one for all."

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Athos dismounted at the Palace gates, handing his mount to one of the stable boys and made his way to Cardinal Mazarin's office. The guard at the entrance stopped him, but a quick glance at the pauldron on his shoulder and the look in Athos' eyes, gave him pause and he stepped back, allowing him to pass.

Athos didn't bother to knock. He opened the door and entered the office, much to the surprise of the Cardinal who was at his desk, making notations in a large book. The Cardinal looked up, annoyed at the intrusion, one brow rising as he recognized his uninvited guest.

"Athos." The Cardinal pushed himself back, reclining in the chair and pasting a smile on his face as if he was welcoming an esteemed colleague. "If you are here to inquire about the whereabouts of the Comte de Rochefort, I'm afraid I have no news."

"Rochefort is dead." Athos watched carefully, content to see the flash of alarm darken the Cardinal's countenance.

"I assume you had a hand in this?"

Athos nodded. "It was my sword that ended his life."

Mazarin took a deep breath, his eyes leveled on the Musketeer. "I suppose you will claim it was self defense."

"Rochefort challenged me. I had little choice."

Mazarin smiled. "Of course. I must admit to my disappointment after allowing him a second chance." He clicked his tongue and shook his head in disapproval. "I will inform the King and we can consider this matter closed." He moved to return to his work, effectively dismissing the Musketeer, but Athos stepped forward, waiting until the Cardinal raised his eyes, giving him his attention once more.

"Was there anything else?"

The warning in the Cardinal's tone was obvious, but Athos was in no mood to play the man's game of intimidation.

"Milady de Winter is also dead."

Athos was surprised at how effortlessly the words rolled off his tongue. He had been sure he would falter when finally stating the fact aloud. They were words he'd never uttered easily before, even when he'd believed her dead by his hand all those years ago.

He could still feel her limp body in her arms and he would be lying if he said he didn't feel a glint of grief knowing the woman he had once given his heart and soul to would no longer be part of this world. But with that grief came a release knowing her need for vengeance would no longer be a threat to the people he loved. He'd mourn her passing, but he would not lose himself again. He'd done that for far too long. He'd allowed her hold over him to taint everything good in his life, but with her death had come a sort of clarity.

He would always shoulder the blame for what she had become, but he would no longer be responsible for the decisions she alone had made. He would forever love her – or at least the woman he had believed her to be - but would not hold himself accountable for the woman she had become.

It was… liberating. A feeling he was sure Aramis would applaud.

"I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage," Mazarin said, his face carefully blank. "I have never had the pleasure of making Madame de Winter's acquaintance."

Athos allowed himself a small smile as he narrowed his eyes at the man. The Cardinal's face had paled at the news, and even though his expression remained carefully passive, Athos could see the apprehension in his eyes.

"But she knew you, Your Eminence. She is, in all probability, the reason you are here."

Mazarin's brows rose. "Are you insinuating that this woman is responsible for Cardinal Richelieu's death?"

"Not her alone."

Mazarin's eyes hardened. "You should tread carefully, my dear Athos. Such words can be easily misconstrued. Accusations – whether based in truth or not - can sometimes lead to disarming results. "

Athos stepped forward and leaned both fists on the edge of the desk, smiling coldly as Mazarin unconsciously pressed back into his chair. "Then let me make myself perfectly clear, I will not take any threat to the King or Queen lightly. Nor do I tolerate threats to my friends. I can assure you, Cardinal, that any move against them would not be misconstrued and would be dealt with swiftly and justly. Your pawns are gone. My knights are quite capable of striking at any time."

Mazarin swallowed, the eyes narrowing at the thinly veiled warning.

"If I didn't know you better, I would deem that a threat."

Athos rose to his full height, his face once again a mask of carefully controlled indifference. "You don't know me at all."

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Upon returning to the garrison, Aramis had insisted he seek out d'Artagnan and confirm what Aramis and Porthos had already told him. The young Gascon was relieved, finding comfort in the fact that though somber at the loss he had suffered, his mentor held no rancor and confirmed that he still held d'Artagnan in the highest esteem, placing no blame for Milady's death on the young man's shoulders. Soon after sending d'Artagnan off to get some much needed rest, Athos met with the news that Captain Treville was awake and asking for him. Though, from Aramis' expression, he knew something of import had happened, but the marksman waved him off, telling him it was nothing and that he shouldn't keep the Captain waiting.

Though he felt the need to stay and find out what was troubling his friend, Athos reluctantly acquiesced and quietly entered the sick room, relieved to find Treville propped up against a pile of pillows, awake and alert.

"It's good to see you looking well, Captain," Athos allowed himself a smile of relief as he took a chair by the man's bedside. Aramis had told him the good news regarding the Captain's condition, but had not truly believed it until seeing for himself.

"I owe you a debt of gratitude for your quick thinking in getting me help."

Athos shook his head. "You owe me nothing, sir. I'm pleased you will recover. Aramis says the feeling in your legs is returning rapidly."

Treville rubbed at his thigh. "It's more pins and needles at the moment, but yes. I can move them with less pain, so I am hopeful."

"That is good news." Athos studied the man for a moment. Years of reading the man's facial expressions had given him insight into how Treville operated, and right now he could sense there was more to the Captain's request for his presence than to simply share his good news. "But you asked me here for a reason?"

He posed the question to give Treville the opportunity to get to the point with as little difficulty as possible.

"I have accepted a position on Louis' council."

Athos' brow rose at the admission. He couldn't imagine Treville anything but a soldier, knowing the man hated politics almost as much as he did.

"You're leaving the Musketeers?"

"I'm not a young man, anymore, Athos. And, I'm not fool enough to believe my recovery will be anything other than arduous and challenging. It would be quite some time before I could resume my duties – if ever. I believe I can do more good at the Palace from now on."

Athos nodded sagely. He didn't like it, but realized the Captain was making a logical choice. Leading the Musketeers was a job that required skill and strength – both attributes Treville held in magnitude. But the demands of being in charge of the King's first line of defense would not be conducive to the lengthy recuperation Treville was facing. There were no guarantees he would make it back to his previous state of health and the day-to-day strain of command could prove damaging to his recovery. It made sense to secure a less physically demanding position that still allowed him to continue his service to the King.

"I understand," Athos replied, allowing the remorse he felt at the loss to show in his voice. "But know you will be greatly missed. Your leadership is something that will not be easily replaced."

"It will be far easier if you'd accept the command in my stead."

Athos was at a loss. While he'd always been aware of the possibility that he would someday be asked to take command, he thought Treville understood that it would be an honor he could not accept. "With all due respect, Captain, I am not a leader."

"You are, Athos. More than you know. Your men – all the men – respect you and look to you already. You are the only man I would feel comfortable turning this regiment over to."

"I appreciate you faith, but…"

"But you are not a politician."

Athos managed a wry grin. "Civility under pressure is sometimes not my strength."

Treville chuckled, nodding in agreement. "I'll admit, handling then King can be a challenge –"

"One I am sorely unequipped for."

"So find someone who is."

Athos frowned. "Sir?"

Treville shrugged. "A liaison. Someone who is better at cosseting the fragile egos of the King and his court. Someone who can charm them into doing whatever you need them to do."

Athos eyed the man suspiciously. "It sounds as if you have someone specific in mind."

"Aramis."

The Musketeer silently congratulated himself for not laughing out loud. "I don't think Aramis would be the right man to liaise the Palace." Considering the circumstances, Athos could not think of a worse candidate for the job.

"Don't sell him short, Athos. Despite… everything… he may surprise you, given the chance."

Athos felt his heart pounding in his chest. He eyed the Captain warily. "Despite… everything?"

Treville's face remained unreadable. "Let's just say I have a soft spot for the Queen. And sometimes when people assume you are unconscious they don't take as many precautions as they should."

Athos drew in a deep breath. So Aramis and the Queen had been alone here. He closed his eyes and sighed, silently chastising the Spaniard for his carelessness.

"Athos."

The Musketeer opened his eyes to find Treville staring at him pointedly. "I have been the Queen's protector since she was a young girl. When she arrived, she was alone, frightened, but has since grown into a great woman and a great Queen. I would like to believe her trust in me was a small part of that. My loyalty is to the King and France, but we both know Louis can be somewhat… impetuous and self-serving at times. He does not treat his Queen with the love and honor she deserves. Anne is a good woman. I will not allow her to come to harm, from anyone."

"I do not believe… anyone… means her harm, Captain."

"That was my conclusion also. I have thought long and hard about what I observed, Athos. Anne is no longer a child and she is strong enough to make her own decisions, her own choices. If this is her choice – though unwise it may be - I will not be the one to dispel what little happiness she has been able to find in this life."

Athos found himself at a loss for words, not wanting to confirm or deny what the Captain was alluding to.

"Just keep a close eye on the situation, and I will do the same at court. We must all remain diligent, but with care and assiduousness, I believe her happiness does not have to be shattered."

"Perhaps." Athos admitted, still uncomfortable with having Aramis' secret known by anyone other than himself and Porthos. Despite not having said anything out loud, it was obvious the Captain was knowingly placing his neck in the noose with them and, Athos realized, there was little he could do about it. He nodded, desperately wanting to change the subject. "What does Cardinal Mazarin have to say about this?"

Treville laughed. "The Cardinal was not pleased, but Louis is counting on you. He believes, as do I, you are the best man for the job."

Athos was touched by Treville's words. Though he still believed himself far from qualified, as Captain of the Musketeers, Athos would have more power to protect Aramis and to give d'Artagnan the kind of training and guidance he needed to fulfill his potential. He still believed the young Gascon had the promise to become the best of them all, and he would be an idiot to turn down the opportunity to place himself in a position to help the lad accomplish that. Mazarin was still a threat, but with his trusted agents no longer at his call, the man was a dog without teeth. Mazarin wasn't the intellectual equal of Richelieu and Athos believed with Treville's help, they could keep the man from becoming dangerous to the Musketeers as well as France.

Athos still believed he was not the right choice, but could not think of another more qualified that would be as much of an advantage to the others. For their sakes, he agreed.

"I accept, but on one condition. That this is a temporary arrangement until a more suitable replacement can be found." Despite Treville's confidence, he believed there would be someone more qualified who could fill the Captain's boots in the eyes of the men… eventually.

Treville clapped his hands together once and smiled, relieved. "Good. Then it's settled. I will inform the King of the arrangement as soon as possible."

Mmmmmmmmmmmm

Aramis took the stairs two at a time. He was finally feeling somewhat normal, the pounding in his head having finally ceased, leaving him pain free for the first time in a week. It had been three days since the Captain had been allowed out of bed, and it was good to know the man was on his way to recovery. He still ambled about quite slowly, leaning heavily on the cane, which would, in all probability, become a permanent part of his life, never far from one of the Musketeers who had been assigned to watch over him.

Still, it had been a surprise when he'd been informed upon arrival at the garrison that the Captain had requested his presence in his office as soon as he reported for duty. He was pleased with Treville's progress so far, but he didn't believe the man ready for stair climbing no matter how badly he wanted to return to duty.

As he reached the landing at the top of the stairs, he was rehearsing his lecture on why the healing process could not be rushed, so was taken completely by surprise when he found Athos seated behind the paper strewn desk. He looked… different than Aramis was accustomed to seeing the man. His hair was a mess, as if he'd been tugging it in all directions, his doublet hung open and his face held an expression of frustration. He looked up at the intrusion with a sigh of relief.

"Athos! They said the Captain wanted to see me –"

The older man smiled wearily and leaned back in the chair, rubbing his hands across his face, clearly overwhelmed by the number of parchments before him.

"I don't know how Treville did this." He waved a hand across the desktop and shook his head. "It all seems so… trivial."

Aramis grinned sympathetically. "Ah, paperwork. The bane of command." Obviously Treville had asked Athos to help out until he was able to return to duty. Aramis relaxed, knowing the lecture he had been rehearsing would not be needed today.

"If I had realized the position would be more monotony than maneuver I would never have agreed to take it.

Aramis stepped forward, his smile widening as the meaning of Athos' words registered. Athos was not simply filling in for the Captain, he was the Captain. Treville must have officially accepted the King's offer and recommended Louis appoint Athos his successor. Despite the fact that Aramis had more seniority, the marksman held no resentment, feeling the former Comte the best qualified for the job. He held out his hand to his new commanding officer.

"Congratulations my friend. I can think of no one more deserving of the honor."

"Thank you." Athos resolutely shook the proffered hand, his expression wry. "I will admit to many reservations in my ability to carry on in Captain Treville's stead. Despite his confidence in my abilities to lead, the men may not agree. They've seen me at my worst. I know I've spent too long trying to drink myself to death because of my past. I'm afraid I may not be up to the task."

"It is necessary to have wished for death to know how good it is to live."

Athos tipped his head, giving his friend a grateful smile. "As always, Aramis, you know just what to say to make the improbable seem possible."

"I have no doubt you will find yourself more than capable, my friend. And be assured, Porthos, d'Artagnan and I will do whatever we can to assist." Aramis placed his hand over his heart, and gave his new commanding officer a formal bow.

"I never doubted that. Which is why I asked to see you."

"Whatever you need, Captain." The marksman couldn't resist the title, even in the face of Athos' scowl.

"That will take a bit of getting used to."

Athos gestured for Aramis to take a seat and the younger man dropped into the chair, eager to lend whatever aid he could to make his friend's transition easier.

"It's no secret my… personal skills are somewhat lacking."

Aramis chuckled, nodding in assent. "You're a man of few words, I will admit. But you still get your point across."

Athos threw him a glare that only made his smile widen. While he was pleased with the change, Athos was right; it was going to take some getting used to.

"Be that as it may, I doubt the King or the Cardinal will be thrilled with my brand of tact. They seem to prefer a more… loquacious form of communication."

"I see your problem." Aramis tilted his head, his brows high.

"Good, then you are willing to help with the solution?"

"What can I do? If you would like me to tutor you in the art of conversation, I'm afraid you are quite set in your ways." Aramis grinned, knowing that because of his background, Athos could be very eloquent when he chose to be. Unfortunately, the desire was the larger part of the problem.

Athos nodded. "Quite, which is why I want you to be my liaison with the Palace."

Aramis' brows rose and he stared at his friend for a moment, completely taken by surprise. "You want… what?" After spending so much time and effort to keep him away from the Queen and the Palace, it made no sense that he would now want him there on purpose.

"You. Liaison." Athos expression didn't change as he returned the marksman's stare.

Aramis scoffed and ran a hand through his hair. "You're actually offering me a legitimate reason to be at the Palace?"

Athos shrugged. "To be completely honest, I have my reservations. It was actually Treville's idea."

"Treville?"

"It would seem our Captain was more observant than we'd believed while in his sick bed."

Aramis closed his eyes and dropped his head. "Oh, God." They had thought him unconscious. If Treville had heard his and Anne's conversation or been aware of their closeness… Aramis could almost feel the rope tightening on his neck. He looked back to Athos, unsure what to say.

Athos's face was unreadable. "Apparently, the Captain believes the Queen would benefit from this arrangement. I have no idea why he would believe this but…" He shrugged, a grin playing on his lips.

Aramis could hardly believe his ears. Treville was man he had always considered most loyal to the King. The Captain had always been quite fond of the Queen, but Aramis had no idea the man would go to such lengths to protect her – and himself. He knew Treville had given him much more leeway than most due to the Captain's deep remorse over his part in the massacre of Savoy, but to allow what was tantamount to treason to continue without so much as a reprimand was more than he'd ever dare to dream. He huffed a surprised laugh, shaking his head in disbelief. "I can't believe this. I never doubted your's or Porthos' silence, my friend, but to have Treville go to such lengths... I'm truly speechless."

"That would be a first."

Aramis ignored the jibe. "I don't know what to say."

Athos raised a brow. "'Yes' would suffice."

Aramis grinned. "Yes."

"Then it's agreed. You will officially be made a lieutenant, and in addition to you regular duties, you will report to the Palace when the need arises."

Aramis rose and extended his hand once again, taking Athos' in both of his, his dark eyes shining with gratitude. "Thank you, Captain. Your trust means more than I can say."

Athos placed his other hand on top of Aramis, linking them together solidly. "It has been earned. Just make sure I have no cause to regret it."

"I won't let you down."

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

Porthos and d'Artagnan were waiting for him at the bottom of the stairs. From the looks on their faces, they knew exactly what had transpired in Athos' office.

"So?" Porthos asked, not even bothering to hide his grin. "How was the new Captain?"

Aramis returned the grin. "I believe we'll be able to bend him to our ways with little trouble."

D'Artagnan chuckled. "Calling Athos 'captain' is going to take some getting used to."

"Not only for us, but we must show him the respect he deserves," Aramis responded. "After everything we've been through, it's good to know sometimes, providence does shine on the just."

"How's he handlin' it?" Porthos asked, his eyes straying to the closed door of the office above. "The man spent so long trying to drink himself to death, it's hard to imagine him not leanin' on that particular crutch anymore."

Aramis nodded judiciously at Porthos observation. "If he feels that urge, we will simply have to make sure he has something else to lean on."

"So what now?" d'Artagnan asked, shrugging and shaking his head in uncertainty. "Things aren't going to be the same around here."

Aramis put an arm around each of his friend's shoulders and began to lead them to the archway. "Change is inevitable, my friends. And what we do with it makes us who we are. But until the day when God shall deign to reveal the future to man, all human wisdom is summed up in these two words, - 'wait and hope'."

Porthos shook his head, smiling fondly. "You would've made a good priest, Aramis. Or a poet. You know that?"

"Ah, my dear Porthos. I'm a Musketeer. And on my honor, I'd never wish to be anything else."

The End.

Aramis' line about 'wait and hope' is actually a quote from Alexandre Dumas in the book 'The Count of Monte Cristo'. I thought it appropriate for the ending here. The title of this fic is also taken from a Dumas quote; "Never fear quarrels, but seek hazardous adventures." It is advice to d'Artagnan from his father when he first sets out for Paris. Seemed to sum up the Musketeers to me. Thank you to everyone who read, reviewed, favorited and put these stories on alert. You guys rock! I would love to hear what you thought! Thanks again for your time and patience! - Sue