Chapter 13
Aramis, Porthos and Athos awoke the young Gascon bright and early the following morrow.
"Get up, you lazy lad," the giant Porthos teased, pulling the covers off his friend.
"And dress. We are on our way to De Treville's," Athos stated, throwing the youth his doublet.
"He asks for a complete accounting," Aramis announced, pushing the youth's boots toward him.
Dressed and ready, the three set off for the familiar courtyard. They were received immediately. The Captain of the Musketeers greeted them warmly and bid them to remain for just a moment while he had his manservant fetch a particular prize.
The servant returned with a box which De Treville opened.
"For you, Monsieur Porthos, for undying loyalty and bravery, the sum of one hundred pounds."
The Musketeer's face lit up with a smile as he bowed low and accepted his satchel of coins.
"For you, Monsieur Athos, for undying loyalty and bravery, the sum of one hundred pounds."
Aramis bowed low and humbly accepted the pouch of coins.
"And for you, Monsieur D'Artagnan, for valor and courage and supreme loyalty, one hundred pounds and the commission of Musketeer in the service of His Majesty's Guards.
The youth's face, paled with shock, reddened with joy. Tears hung about his eyes as he reached out to receive the pouch and scroll from Monsieur de Treville which proclaimed in bold letters his appointment.
"What say ye?" the three men asked.
D'Artagnan, bursting with pride, shot out his arm and in his loudest voice proclaimed, "All for one and one for all."
The deafening response vibrated his body as the Musketeers placed their hands on top of his and echoed, "All for one and one for all."