Double Trouble

Chapter Nine: The Surgery

THE SURGERY:

Captain Tréville and a troop of eight Musketeers ride into the courtyard of Château de Chamarande; M. Hurault is there to greet them as they arrive.

"Welcome to my home, Captain Tréville and Musketeers. I hope that your journey here was without adventure."

"Yes, thank you," said the captain. "We passed through the forest without incident."

"I am sorry that your predecessors did not have the same travel mercies, captain. I wish that your visit was under better circumstances but I am sure that you would like to see your men, yes?"

"Yes I do," answered the captain. "Thank you, M. Hurault, for taking care of my men, and for the timely dispatch informing me of what happened."

M. Hurault nodded, "right this way if you would, please," The master of the house led the captain and his Musketeers inside; the group of men were led to the sitting room, while M. Hurault took Captain Tréville upstairs to see his wounded Musketeers.

The captain is led to Aramis's room first, where Porthos was sitting in the bedside chair visiting with his friend. Aramis sits up in surprise at the sight of his captain entering the room.

"Captain!" exclaimed Aramis, you sure got here quickly. How was your passage by Torfou?"

"We passed through without incident. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said about you four." The captain studied the bandages covering the wounded men, worry evident on his face. "It is good to see both of you doing well, considering. How are d'Artagnan and Athos?"

"Well, d'Artagnan is in the room right next door. Why don't we go say hello, huh?" Porthos said, his eyes twinkling.

d'Artagnan's Room:

The three men head over to d'Artagnan's room, stopping at the door. Aramis raps his knuckles on the door, "hey, d'Art, look who's here."

d'Artagnan's eyes light up in surprise at the visitors, "Captain, it's good to see you!" How was your trip here?" the young man inquired.

"It was fine, thank you," the captain answered. "I came as soon as I received the dispatch from M. Hurault telling me of the raiders and all of you being wounded."

"We're really sorry about what happened, Captain," d'Artagnan said sadly. "The decoy and all the rest of the men are all dead."

"Yes, I know," Tréville nodded. "It is unfortunate what this mission has cost in lives, but in no way is any of this your fault," the captain assured as he looked to each of the men.

"The king has been informed and has canceled the remainder of his visit to the Château de Blois; he is returning to Paris in the morning. He will have quite an armed escort for his return trip," the captain hesitated, reluctant to continue.

The three Musketeers exchanged worried glances, they knew the hammer was about to drop with some very bad news.

"The king has ordered those of you who are well enough to travel to return with his escort back to Paris." The captain looked between the three men, "judging from your appearances, Porthos and Aramis, you two are ready to rejoin the regiment."

Porthos and Aramis stood with their mouths agape, too stunned to speak.

"Once back in Paris, you can report to the garrison physician," Captain Tréville instructed.

"Captain, you can't be serious," Porthos muttered in disbelief. "Aramis is in no condition to be goin' on a road trip yet. He was grazed in the head by a musket ball just days ago!"