After a long time passed, Larthis managed to acomplish her own mission. She was the most trustful musketeer of Treville and became the queen's personal messenger. The musketeers already understood her hand languaje, so Larthis could make special signs ans whistlings that meant complete phrases.
She even had small privileges that no one could understand, but that were explained convincingly: becuse of an honor promise, she had forbidden to take off her hat in public, what meant a problem when being with the King.
Fortunately, the monarch, with help from the queen, found another way of showing respect that seemed acceptable. From that moment, she had to lay her swords and gloves in front of the king.
The most strange thing about that, was that it turned out to be incredibly useful, when someone tried to attack the king and instead of facing his victim, Larthis reacted with such quickness, that the murderer faced a musketeer.
- Athos, I have something to ask from you.-
He returned to reality. Porthos was in front of him with nervous attitude.
- I had to talk with you too, a young man challenged me to a duel.-
Porthos changed his face to a surprised one.
- That is strange, me too... a reckless boy... and gascon.-
This time, it was Athos who showed surprise. Before he could speak, Aramis arrived.
- Gentlemen, a reckless boy challenged me to a duel and I need witnesses.-
The other two musketeers watched him stunned. Aramis, confused, decided to explain a little more.
- I don´t know why are you staring like that... he is a young gascon named D'Artagnan...-
- He challenged you too!-
- It can't be possible that he challenged the three of us at the same time...-
The sound of a cloak behind them made them notice the person behind.
They turned to see Larthis laughing silently. Obviously, the laughter was so strong that she had to support in the wall. Everyone, ashamed by such a ridiculous situation, broke in outbursts of laughter... they had plenty of time, the duels would begin at midnight.
***
It was time... Everything was in calm. A young man was walking nervously at the same time that he was watching the road.
He heard the galloping of horses. He approached to his own horse and took out his sword. He placed it in his belt and stood at the middle of the road, arms crossed and challenging attitude.
The four riders arrived and dismounted.
- You arrive on time.- he said coldly.
- You are bold, boy.- began Porthos.- or too stupid by challenging the three of us.-
Athos unsheated his sword and interrupted his friend.
- Bold or stupid, it doesn't matter now. This boy has challenged us.-
Both began dueling while the other musketeers watched, Aramis and Porthos at both sides of the road and Larthis from the branches of a tree.
A whistling from Larthis alerted the watchers. Trouble were getting close.
The fighters were stopped by Larthis, who stood between them.
- Stand aside!- yelled the young gascon.
As answer, Larthis turned and stanched his sword while she repeated the whistling. Athos understood.
- The Cardinal's guards are getting close.-
Aramis continued explaining, at the same time that Larthis gave his sword back.
- The duels are forbidden by the law.-
In spite of their quickness hidding any dueling signs, the guards arrived on time to catch them.
- So... you were dueling...- the leader of the group oustanded by his black clothes and the patch covering his left eye.- You are all under arrest by command of Cardinal Richelieu.-
Porthos answered sarcastically while the rest unsheated their swords.
The young one stood at the rear, watching confused.
- Of course we will go, Roquefort... But you will have to drag us. Wasn't your name the one of a stinky cheese?-
- Molded, Porthos.-
The one called Roquefort, enraged with Athos' words.
- Attack!.-
The battle began in unequal circumstances... twenty guards against four musketeers and a spectator.
The young gascon, without understanding what he saw, just kept standing beside his horse.
Aramis, when finishing with one of his opponents, got near and yelled to him to go away. Only a few seconds were needed for the battle to become even, for the musketeers terms, sixteen against five.
In a moment of the battle, D'Artagnan was fighting two guards, without noticing anything around him. At his back he heard a cry of pain. He turned briefly and saw a guard that was going to attack him by the back. In an instant that seemed eternal, he saw how the guard fell, slashed by the sword of the only musketeer he didn't have problems with.
He didn't think of anything else, the battle would conclude soon.
***
They were in silence for around an hour... They were fixing the bodies of the guards while Aramis prayed for each one of them.
- You fought bravely boy.- Athos put his hand on his shoulder to remark his phrase.
- You didn't have to fight with us, but you joined at a difficult moment.-
The young gascon, embarrased, observed the four musketeers. Larthis made a sign with both arms and Athos translated it.
- What are you doing in Paris?-
- I came to join the musketeers of the king.-
Porthos, with ironic tone, spoke.
- You had a good beginning then... your first day and already fought the guards of the Cardinal. It has been a long night and I'm thirsty. Let's go.-
They were mounting their horses when they heard the angry shout of the young one.
- I have expressed my gratitude! A gentleman should answer!-
The three friends dismounted and got near them to save their companion.
- You will answer me now or with a challenge!-
- Easy D'Artagnan! Larthis can't speak. Just answered with the hands.-
The young man blushed.
- I'm sorry.- saw Larthis' hands and raised a doubtful glance.
- Says that everyone begin the same way.-
They mounted their horses and went to a pub to eat. The next day, they introduced the young gascon with Treville before retiring to their own business.