He entered his own tent and placed the body on his bed.
He retired the cloak and swords and went away for some water. After returning he found the soldier placing the bag on the floor.
- Thank you... Now go back to the troop... and let nobody come here...-
The boy thought for a while and went away.
The musketeer closed perfectly his tent and focused on his work.
He found the bullet and felt relief when he saw that the injury wasn't bad... but there was too much blood loss.
He sighed before removing the uniform and began removing the cloth soaked with dried blood.
The wound was bigger than he thought, but wasn't dangerous. He cleaned the zone carefully before closing his eyes and remove completely the shirt... the bandage remained firmly in its place, and then he used one of his own shirts to cover the bare body of Larthis.
When he opened his eyes, Athos sighed, relieved. He placed again her disguise.
- The time of truth has arrived. You will wake up soon Larthis... your secret must be freed.-
He seated on the floor and waited for the sunrise.
***
They defeated the enemy... she had to help the wounded... move the dead bodies away... silence... a shot behind her... and then pain... pain...
She woke up startled. Her breath was almost out with the pain at her ribs. She laid again to ease the pain.
The place looked familiar...
- Is good to see you awake.- Athos kneeled at her side.- you lost too much blood, but now you are safe.-
The woman felt the bandage and understood what he had done. The fear in her face moved her companion.
- Yes... I know Larthis....- a new sigh escaped from his lips while he stood up and looked at the ceiling.- How long will you remain in secret?.-
She closed her eyes... if he already knew her secret, it was no use keeping silence anymore.
Athos saw the tears in her eyes.
- Don't cry... you have been strong for many years...-
- If they know what I am... I could no longer be...- her voice, affected by so many years of silence, was replaced by a soft sobbing. Athos hugged her.
- Larthis... How could you keep silence for so long?.-
Unable to speak, Larthis whistled.
"No one should note my voice."
- I understand... You keep many secrets... but they should be a terrible burden...-
-But they can be held... with love... the love that requires that silence...-
- You can't keep silence forever... you had luck that I healed you... because I already knew it.-
Her astonished eyes made him reveal how he discovered everything.
- I remember a woman... a masquerade. Her red hair combining with her blue dress, and the mask she wore couldn't hide her eyes in the darkness. I saw her at the distance, but just enough time for never forgetting her.-
The musketeer took off his hat and kept glancing to the air in silence. After a while he continued.
- After you joined us, I saw her again in my dreams... the same height, the same eyes... the same shade of red in the hair... At the beginning I thought it was impossible and tried to forget it... but I couldn't... Finally I went back to your village and discovered that Yves never had a brother... but a younger sister...-
- Why you kept silence?.- Larthis sat. Her hat was on a side, letting free the hair that Athos admired. He answered with absent mind.
- That dream still haunts me every night, but sometimes it switches the blue dress for the musketeers dresscoat... I see you riding on your horse with your hair loose with the wind... I don't know why I kept silence... I don't know...-
The woman sank her head.
- Thank you Athos... I guess I'll have to surrender my swords and leave... from here...-
- I don't think you should flee.- His eyes turned to ice.- You have served loyally to the king for many years and you shouldn't end like this... I believe you should face a trial.-
Blood froze in her veins.
- Athos... no... please...-
- I don't see any other way. I'm going for Treville.-
The musketeer headed for the door. Before going out he heard her again.
- Bring the boys too...-
***
The six remained in silence. Four confused by the urgency of the call, one serious and the last one downhearted.
- Athos, I think you should tell us why you have called us.- The alluded one didn't change his attitude.
- It's not me who should say it.-
Larthis felt like the world sank at her feet. She stood up and retired her hat. Her hair fell through her back, leaving astonished her companions.
- Larthis... what's the meaning...-
- I request the trial of the King, sir.-
Everyone got speechless. Larthis gathered all her courage and finished her phrase. Athos was surprised for the strenght that she showed.
- I have kept a great secret, but greater has been my service and loyalty
to France... so I request the trial.-