Thanks to Fleuramis for the story idea.

A Father's Love

Chapter One

The sun beat mercilessly down on the exposed heads of the Musketeers. Aramis felt as if a thick woolen blanket was wrapped around his shoulders making every breath a trial. Being inside was worse. The stifling heat had made sleep almost impossible for the last three nights and there was no sign of the weather breaking any time soon. He lounged back against the table and took a sip of his lukewarm ale. It did nothing to quench his thirst.

"It could be worse," Porthos said. "We could be on guard duty at the palace."

"I hear that a number of the guards have passed out. It really is torture to have to stand still in this heat." D'Artagnan picked listlessly at his lunch.

"I'm surprised the royal family has stayed in Paris." Athos picked up a slice of cheese, stared at it for a moment and then put it down again.

"The King has a full council meeting scheduled for the next two days. His ministers are worried about the increasing anti-Spanish sentiment. There's already been unrest in the streets." Aramis could feel the sweat trickling down his back. His shirt was already soaked.

"Where did you hear that?" Athos asked.

"Marguerite told me. Apparently the King has been ranting to the Queen about her fellow countrymen and the fact that they have been stirring up trouble."

"They're the victims here," Porthos said.

"Yes, well, no-one ever said the King was rational about it. I'm sure Rochefort has been whispering in his ear too." Aramis laid down his tankard, pulled out a handkerchief and wiped it across his brow.

"It will be interesting to see what the Council decides to do about it. If Rochefort had his way he'd probably let the Red Guard loose on the people and that would do even more damage." Athos stood up and stretched. "It might be cooler down by the river. Anyone feel like a ride?"

"I'll come," d'Artagnan said. "It can't be any worse than here."

"You're forgettin' the smell from the sewers. It gets a lot worse in hot weather." Porthos rubbed at the back of his neck and then looked distastefully at the moisture on his palms. "I'm goin' to try and have a nap. Remember, we're back on duty this evenin'"

"I'll put up with the smell if it means finding a breeze," Athos said. "Aramis?"

Aramis pulled out his Bible. "I think I'll stay here and read for a while."

"As you wish. We will see you later."

As the sun moved slowly across the sky the table fell into shade. Aramis read peacefully, the familiar words working their usual magic and calming his mind. He only looked up when he heard a horse entering the garrison. Captain Treville dismounted and handed the animal off to a stable boy.

"Where are the others?" Treville asked.

"Athos and d'Artagnan went down to the river. Porthos is in his room. Is there something I can do for you?"

"Come to my office."

Aramis followed the Captain, closing the door behind him. "Is there a problem?"

"Not exactly." Treville sat down heavily and unbuttoned his doublet. "The Dauphin is having trouble coping with the heat so the Queen had decided to spend a week in the country. She is going to stay with the Countess of Marle."

Any mention of his son made Aramis' heart race faster and the thought that the baby was suffering made him want to rush to the Queen's side. Not that it was possible for him to do so. He could, however, see Marguerite and find out from her how the Dauphin was faring. He was careful to keep his thoughts hidden away. Treville was far to astute for comfort. "That's a two-day journey by coach. The route will take them through the Forest of Retz." He locked eyes with the Captain and allowed his concern to show. "Surely you have advised her against this. Many lawless men call that forest their home."

"She is adamant. Even the King couldn't sway her. She believes that she and the Dauphin will be perfectly safe with an escort of Musketeers. You, Athos, Porthos and d'Artagnan will accompany her. Report to the Palace in the morning. There will be two coaches. One for the Queen, her son and the Lady Marguerite. The second will carry her servants. I don't need to tell you how important it is that they all arrive at their destination safely."

"We will protect them with our lives."

"I would expect nothing less. Now go and round up the others. You're excused duty tonight so that you can prepare."

TMTMTM

"The Forest of Retz? I've never heard of it."

"It is an ancient forest, d'Artagnan, which covers many square miles. The road from Paris to Marle runs right through its centre. To try and go around would add days to the journey. It has become quite infamous because of the number of travelers who have been attacked while traversing it. A company of Musketeers was sent once to try and clear it of outlaws but it was an impossible task. There are too many hiding places and the local people proved to be unhelpful." Athos poured wine for all of them.

They were at a tavern close to the garrison. Its thick walls provided some insulation against the clammy night air. They'd finished their dinner and were on their last bottle of wine. Provisions for the journey had been packed and they had each checked and cleaned their weapons.

"It's a foolish idea," Aramis said irritably. It was bad enough that the Queen was potentially riding into danger. Worse, though, was the thought of his son possibly being harmed. He caught Athos gazing at him and looked away.

"She's the Queen. She can do as she pleases."

"The King should have stopped her," Aramis said stubbornly.

"Your concern does you credit," Athos said. "However, the decision has been made. It is our job to ensure that the journey is completed without mishap."

On the walk back to the garrison Athos caught Aramis' arm, forcing him to stop.

"Are you going to be alright?" Athos asked.

"I can't help thinking about Gallagher and his men chasing us. This time will be much worse. We will have the Dauphin with us. He's only three months old, Athos."

"It's understandable that you should be concerned but perhaps you are seeing danger where there is none. Keep your misgivings to yourself. The others will wonder if you become too over-protective."

"I will heed your advice, difficult though it may be."

"Keep your distance from them, Aramis. You are already playing with fire in starting a relationship with Marguerite. If it were within my power, I would ask Treville to take you off this mission."

"Why?" Aramis asked, shocked. "Don't you trust me?"

"To be around the Queen and the Dauphin? No, I don't."

"You don't need to worry. I will do my duty and will keep my feelings for them hidden."

"You can't have feelings for them. She is the Queen and the child is the next King of France."

"I know." Angrily, Aramis walked away.

Tbc