SECTION ONE 1638 A.D.

He was an uncommonly attractive, intriguing man. And, yes, even beautiful, though the first person to tell him so would probably find a sword thrust through his or her gut. Well maybe not her gut. He was a gentleman. Perhaps one could best describe him as a stranger of unknown origin, virtually impossible to keep in one place.

Some claimed he was a first-class rake, completely lacking moral scruples, a consummate ladys man devoted to charming each pretty woman he met. Others swore he was a saintGods giftan ideal protector who was loyal, honorable, and virtuous to a fault. Regardless of his perceived character, the man was not lazy and indolent, although his current posturehis body propped against the wallalmost supported that erroneous conclusion.

Then again, the man was considered an enigma by even those who knew him well. Did anyone truly know the man who was a complex mishmash of the flirtatious seducer, an all-around ladys man and a compelling, sensitive, honorable and loyal soul devoted, above all, to God and country? Often enough even he doubted that he really knew himself. Could explain why he always seemed to be searching for something that defied definition and could never seem to tolerate staying in one place for long. In that way he supposed he was just like his best friends: duty and honor bound and always ready for the next adventure.

But duty was so often a poorno, a paltry comfort. And wine, women, and good food were only invigorating for so long before they lost their novelty and appeal. He sighed and shifted upon the balls of his feet. His recently polished and sharpened sword tapped rhythmically against his right leg.

Bored, thats what he was, completely bored. No mission to occupy his time, no scandal, no plots to foil. Made one almost wish for a great deal of excitement or another plot to kill the king or queen, or simply to get out of Paris. At least then he could have something useful to do instead of whiling away his days feeling utterly lazy and useless. Maybe he was just getting old, finally. It could have waited longer to catch him, he groused internally as he absently kicked a pebble.

"Aramis," someone called, and the man turned to face the direction of the hail, temporarily setting his brooding aside. If he werent careful, he was bound to start following in Athos tracks, and the musketeers hardly needed another brooding and lonely and guilt-ridden man. Come to think of it, Aramis couldnt remember the last time hed seen Athos truly happy sincemust have been around the time hed first become a musketeer. No, he had no desire to fall into that type of melancholy.

"What can I do for you?"

"Aramis." The big man descended upon his fellow musketeer with a mock scowl of disapproval. "What would the lovely Queen of America say? You know, youre going to ruin that handsome face of yours if you continue this brooding. Then what would I do with all the ladies who would have to turn to me? I couldnt let them down, but to be in such demand . . ."

"I think you can handle it, mon ami," Aramis informed Porthos, grasping the large mans shoulder for a brief moment. "That is hardly a problem you would have to deal with, mon cher Porthos, even if I did lose my looks or decide to enter the priesthood. Now young DArtagnan, well, that is another matter."

Porthos took a step back and placed his hand on the hilt of his cutlass. "That cocky young pup," he replied. "Do I sense an insult to my powers of attraction? I just may have to call you out."

"Very well," Aramis agreed. "Just please be so kind as to leave my face unblemished. I would like the ladies to remember me as I am now."

The large man nodded his head ever so slightly, and the two opponents drew their swords, saluted, then engaged.

"Sacrebleu," DArtagnan cursed under his breath; that had to be broken up immediately before it became bloody. Quickly, he endeavored to sheathe his longsword, so quickly he nearly missed the scabbard in the process.

No sooner had the young man finally succeeded in sheathing his sword than a hand on his shoulder stayed his effort to interfere in the battle between his two companions. "Athos," the young man protested. "We cant just stand by and let those two try to kill one another. Theyre fellow musketeers and our friends."

Athos, however, obviously felt no compulsion to try to peaceably end that fight. He didnt even display the slightest unease. "They wont kill each other," the blond-haired man said with an eerie lack of emotion. "DArtagnan, youre an excellent swordsman and as honorable as your father, but you have much to learn about the musketeers. About our friends in particular."

"Whats to learn?" The youth insisted and tried ineffectually to pull away from his fellow musketeer. "Theyre going to kill each other unless we do something."

The young man finally shook off Athos restraining hand and moved to head towards his dueling companions. "DArtagnan," Athos voice halted him for a moment. "Just remember that Porthos and Aramis take their bouts very seriously. Almost as seriously as Aramis takes death. Wait and see."

Right as the youth came upon the fighters, they bowed and re-sheathed their swords and then turned their attention to young DArtagnan. "And what can we do for you, mon beau jeune ami?" Still slightly out of breath, Aramis inquired of his handsome young friend

At DArtagnans look of baffled confusion, Porthos nudged Aramis with his elbow. "I believe the young pup is quite confused. We just may have to set him straight."

Aramis nodded and straightened the crucifix that hung from the chain around his neck. "Shall I do the honors, or shall you?"

"Look." DArtagnan interrupted their exchange, not in the mood to listen to Porthos and Aramis banter back and forth indefinitely, as they were obviously capable of. "I dont care who tells me whats going on, but someone better tell me and soon." . . .

Kat Jaske is an English and French teacher in Las Vegas, where her high school selected her swashbuckling, fiction novel, "For Honor", as the featured book for the 2006 Reading Incentive Program. If you cannot wait to read more of the story, order the book from the author web site http://www.forhonor.com