"Hey Athos, I have a question." I call out to our fearless leader as we ride home from delivering a message to the border.
"That being?" He asks as I trot to catch up with him. Slowing my horse as he falls instep beside Roger.
"When we were at the crossroad, and you turned left, was that deliberate?" I ask carefully, watching as realisation dawns on his face and Aramis and Porthos struggle to hide their laughter behind us.
"What do you mean?" Athos asks dryly. Denial, good tactic.
"I'm just saying, instead of turning right, which would have taken us on the road we came from, you turned left."
"Are you saying I got us lost?" He pulls Roger to a halt and watches me with his piercing blue eyes.
"No, not at all." I counter. "It's just you've led us to Lupiac, and I'm wondering if it was deliberate, or not?" I ask noting the slightly confused look on his face.
"How did you find out whelp?" Porthos asks and I laugh. I look around at the landscape, gentle rolling hills with crops and livestock dotted around. The sun is low on the familiar horizon and a tall oak tree stands proudly above the river that flowed through the rolling hills of Lupiac.
"Because dear brother, that oak tree was were I broke three ribs and an ankle trying to impress the merchants daughter." I admit, sending my two brothers into fits of laughter as Athos rolls his eyes and shakes his head.
"No, I did not realise but if you'd be so kind as to show us a place to stay for the night, we'd be grateful." Athos smiles as he gestures to worn track that would eventually lead us past my farm and into the town.
"Sure, but I hope you can deal with my sister's cooking." I shrug, urging my tired horse into one last canter.
As the Sun hovers just above the hills, I stop to let them catch up at the burnt out remains of what once was a modest farmhouse. Blackened stumps, a stone chimney and three stone steps were all that were left. The barn further off isn't much better and I could only pray they got all the horses out. The paddocks were still in good condition, so someone must be working them, and the horse yards were still standing, if overgrown. I barely register the tears running down my face until I start sniffling.
"Is this it?" Athos asks quietly as he pulls Rodger up beside me. I jump slightly, I didn't hear him ride up. I hastily rub at my eyes with my sleeve, knowing he did, but hoping he couldn't see.
"I guess we have more in common than we thought," I offer him a sly smile and he returns it.
"C'mon whelp, I'm hungry." Porthos groans from somewhere behind us and I laugh. Trust Porthos to lighten the mood with his stomach.
"Yeah, yeah, don't get your bandana in a twist." I taunt and duck a lazy blow to my head. "Alright, my uncles farm isn't much further." I smile as Aramis leans over and claps my shoulder as he passes. I smile at him and he grins.
As I trot through the pristine front gates of my uncles farm, I can't help the grin that spreads over my face. The farmhouse is in much better condition that mine ever was, the fence that surrounded the house paddock was proper post-and-rail, not the bush craft that ours were, the eight-horse-barn stands proudly off to the side surrounded by yards and paddocks. Home sweet home.
Despite the dying light there were still three people working the fields that bordered the river that stood as the border between our two properties, one that caused many arguments when the sheep wandered over. From this distance I could see the familiar outlines of my sister, cousin and uncle. Ignoring my brothers' questions behind me I dismount and hand my reins to Aramis as I wander over to the field.
"When are you going to give that up and let the men do their jobs?!" I call out and all three figures turn to me. Each glancing at each other, trying to place my voice. As they make their way towards me I see the happy, familiar faces of my family.
"How about you watch your mouth Charlie!" She yells and before I know it, she's in my arms and hugging me tight.
"Ease up, Al, you don't want to strangle me do you?" I laugh as she lets go of me and holds me at arms length, casting a criticising eye over me.
"Oh, I'll do much than strangle you dear brother." She warns but her smile gives away her intent.
"You've grown taller," my uncle announces as he makes his way over to us, pulling me into a tight hug as my cousin, Lance, ruffles my hair.
"Could say the same." I grin at Lance and he grins, the shy twelve year old gone, replaced by the tall and lanky seventeen year old I barely recognise.
"Almost six years and only twenty letters, what's the go?" He jokes and I grin, pulling him into a hug despite the protests.
"I've been busy, and rude." I smile gesturing to my three brothers who have dismounted and we're watching the scene in front of them with smiles on their faces. "Please meet Athos, Porthos and Aramis of the King's Musketeers." I gesture to them and they nod politely, shaking hands and introducing themselves further.
"So it's true," my sister sighs at the men infront of her.
"What's that?" Aramis asks, smiling his most charming smile.
"You let my Dolt of a brother into your ranks."
