Breathing

Storm Clouds Are Coming

  "Athos has pulled through worse predicaments than this, 'Mis. I'm sure you and Doctor Molyneux will take good care of him tomorrow." Porthos placed a reassuring hand on Aramis's shoulder.

But Aramis wasn't listening. He seemed distracted as he looked over Porthos's shoulder watching Doctor Molyneux busy himself by the wagon. "What is going on? Is anyone in there with Athos?"

"I don't know, 'Mis, we followed you out here. . ." d'Artagnan began but was abruptly cut off by the angry medic.

"Dammit!" Aramis growled. "Do I have to do everything around here?" The medic turned on his heel and brushed past his two friends back inside the infirmary.

Porthos and d'Artagnan exchanged worried glances as they followed their friend back into the infirmary.

"Someone needs to keep an eye on Athos tonight." Aramis yelled aloud in frustration.

"We have someone to watch him tonight, my friend." Doctor Molyneux smiled as he entered the infirmary. He called over his shoulder, "Cécile, where are you, my dear?"

At the name, Aramis's eyes widened with surprise. He quickly turned around to see Cécile standing in the doorway. "Hello, Aramis."

"Cécile? What are you. . .? How did you. . .?" Aramis looked to Molyneux then to Cécile, his brown eyes showing surprise at her unexpected arrival.

"I rode in the carriage with M. Molyneux from Arpajon, until he left to join you in the wagon. I rode alone from that point," Cécile laughed.

"Why didn't you say something?" Aramis asked. "You could have joined us in the wagon, Cécile. You didn't have to ride by yourself."

"No, I did not wish to be in the way," Cécile replied. "Athos is your first priority and you must remain focused on him right now; all else can wait until later. I will keep watch with Athos tonight while you and M. Molyneux get your much-needed rest. You have an important surgery tomorrow morning and you must be on your toes, yes?"

"I will sleep much better tonight knowing Athos is in good hands." Aramis breathed a sigh of relief. "But if Athos asks for me, please don't hesitate to wake me. I can manage without sleep if Athos needs me."

"Yes, of course I will, Aramis." Cécile answered.

"M. Molyneux, if you will follow me I will show you to your room." Captain Tréville called by the infirmary door. "Mademoiselle Cécile, your things have been put in your room. I'm sure Aramis will show you to your room when you are relieved. The rest of you gentlemen, we have a busy day tomorrow so I would suggest that we all get to bed and get some rest tonight."

"Thank you, M. Tréville." Cécile smiled. "Bonne nuit, M. Molyneux."

"Bonne nuit, Cécile." Molyneux nodded before turning to the Musketeers. "Gentlemen, I will see you in the morning." Molyneux left to follow the captain to his room.

"Well, Porthos." d'Artagnan clapped his friend on the shoulder. "I think we were just kicked out and ordered to bed."

"Yeah, I think so too." Porthos frowned at d'Artagnan before turning to Aramis. "Guess we'll see you in the morning."

"I'm sorry I've been so grouchy." Aramis apologized to his two friends, ashamed of his behavior. "I'm just so worried about Athos. . ."

"It's more than that, 'Mis, you're exhausted. Porthos placed his hand on Aramis's shoulder, squeezing gently. "You've been with Athos, caring for him, since we left the château this morning. You need to look after yourself too," he said in a tired voice.

"I'm not the only one who is exhausted." Aramis took both his friends by the shoulders and smiled. "You two have been running all over France looking for a doctor, while d'Artagnan here was bleeding with an arm wound. d'Art, you need to get some rest and give that arm a rest too."