This is a story I wrote ten years ago. It may be a little simple compared to my recent fanfic (if you are reading Heart, mind and soul), but believe me that my writing style has evolved since then.

I don't make mayor changes to the original story, so if you notice some big jumping of time between chapters, it is just that I let the original story go by.

The writting may be a little weird because in some parts I hide on purpose who am I writing about, and in many parts I try to avoid using the personal pronouns "he" and "she"… you may understand later why.

I don't own any of the characters (except for Larthis, of course) and I wrote this because I really loved Dumas' books.

Larthis


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It was about ten in the morning, when in the forest sounded the galloping of two horses. The song of the birds filled the air and the sun gave a special beauty to the place.

One of the riders stopped in front of several white and yellow flower bushes. The other one slowed a little to watch.

- You want to gather some of them, isn't true?.- asked when seeing the first rider dismount and pick up a white flower.

- You know how happy feels mother with some fresh flowers at home. Go ahead.-

As answer, the second rider dismounted too.

The sound of unsheated steel got the attention of the first rider. Saw the sword in the floor and did the same gesture. Standing one in front of the other, with both swords between them, they stared at each other.

- You know my life's mission.- began the second rider, extending an arm to the front.- I know yours… if you agree with me, whatever happens, we will accomplish them while one of us is alive… As your brother, I swear it on my sword.-

Finishing this words, the other rider also extended an arm.

- You know my mission, and I know yours… and as your sister, I also swear it on my sword.-

Both smiled and embraced. Taking his sword, the man mounted again.

- Try to return before the time to eat.- and he went away. The young woman saw him until he dissapeared and continued picking up flowers.

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Several hours later, she was returning as fast as she could. Picking up the bouquet had delayed her, and she didn't want to arrive after sunset.

The horse slowed by itself. The young, stranged by this, dismounted and walked the rest of the path. When she reached the border of the forest, she felt her blood freezing in her veins. The bouquet fell from her hands.

Her home was in flames.

She ran to find her brother's body a few meters from the door. She aproached, finding that he was still alive.

- Someone drew the people to a rebelion…- his voice was shaking. Closed his eyes with a pain spasm and continued telling his sister what happened.- They took our parents away, murdered them before I arrived, and attacked me when I came… they were burning everything…- he watched the pain in his sister's eyes, and spoke one last time before he died.- You know my mission, and I know yours… we will accomplish them while one of us is alive…-

The man's eyes closed forever. His sister extended her layer to cover his body and entered the mansion to rescue whatever she could.

Several hours later, past midnight, in front of the tomb she made for her brother, the woman was praying… she knew what she had to do, and she would do it. She raised slowly and walked to her horse. The chilling wind made her notice her recently cut hair and the big clothes that covered her body. She took a letter from a saddlebag and read it one more time:

"To Treville, captain of the musketeers,

I send to you this young man for trainning as one of your musketeers. He is brave, fast and very talented. He will become a valuable member. Regarding your attention…"

Part of the page was burned, leaving only her father's signature left. She carefully took away the letter and put on her hat. She mounted and went far away… to another place.

She would acommplish both missions at the same time…

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She arrived to Paris a short time later. Was entering the musketeers headquarters while thinking in the first problem she had to solve: women were not allowed to join. During all the trip she had been thinking how to manage that problem and was confident in her success. Her trial would be Treville…

She waited to be received and entered the office. Took off her hat and watched the man that was sitting in front of her.

- Sit down.- she obeyed and hoped her plan worked.

Treville observed her for a moment and stood up to face the window.

- Can you explain the matter that brings you to Paris, boy?- A relieved shadow corssed her eyes, but she quickly stood up and gave him the letter.

She remained standed while Treville read the letter carefully. Fortunately she helped her father to write several of his documents and could write a little adittion to the letter.

Treville took out several papers and quill and ink. He placed in front of her.

- You can write here so I can understand you.- a new relief crossed her heart… she had to avoid speaking, so no one could detect her female voice. No one would make speak a mute person. She sat down again.

- What is your name?.-

She took the quill and wrote taking good care of using a different writing.

"Larthis"

- Here it says that you can't talk, and that you fight with double sword for some very acceptable reasons. The problem I see… -she felt her heart sinking with these words… her plan could fail.- is that we have many aspirants and we can accept only one every year… There are four trials that you should make. Do you dare to continue?.-

Her glance and agreement convinced Treville of her comitment.

- The trials will begin in one month. You are one of the last arriving this year… Prepare yourself, you have very little time.-

Larthis stood up and shook Treville's hand.

When exiting the headquarters, she mounted her horse and left with her heart full of joy. The life's mission of her brother, to become a musketeer, was beginning to come true.

She only had to train and find out which were the trials she will have to accomplish.