The Lost Sister Of Buckingham

Chapter 2

The next morning, I rode into Paris. I got off my horse and led him around the city. I looked around for a place to stay with stables until I ran into a man.

"I am so so sorry." I apologized quickly and nervously. "I-I wasn't looking where I was going. It's my fault."

The man laughed and lay a hand on my shoulder.

"It's no problem, my dear." He replied, smiling warmly.

I smiled back and he seemed to look at me with recognition. I felt worry etch into my face.

"You seem familiar to me..." He stated, rubbing his chin. "Aren't you the Duke of Buckingham's sister?"

I sighed and nodded.

"But I cannot go back. Please don't send me back." I pleaded.

"Alright, alright." He said.

He looked around.

"Come, walk with me. You can tell me your story." He said, holding out his hand for me.

I took it and he led me around the city.

"I can't let you tell anyone. And I can't tell you unless I know your name." I said, looking up at him.

"My name is Aramis. You can trust me." He responded.

"Aramis? Like the Muske-" I began but Aramis cupped his hand over my mouth.

"Hush, now. People don't take a liking to the Musketeers around here anymore."

I nodded and he removed his hand.

"Now, tell me your story." He said.

I nodded and took a deep breath.

"Something seems wrong with my brother. He intends to steal plans for some sort of air ship." I explained.

"Air ship? What do mean?" He asked.

"It looks like a ship that has been modified to fly in the sky." I said. "Anyway, my brother wanted me to join him, and when I refused, he became angry and sent me away." I finished, sadly.

"I see." Aramis said as he led me into one of the small shops. "Do you know how to fight?"

"Yes. My brother taught me how to shoot and I learned fencing back at home."

"Then, how would you like to join my friends and I and become a Musketeer?"

"Aramis, that is too kind a gift." I began. "I don't know how I could ever accept it."

"Don't worry. My friends and I will keep you safe and fed. We could help you train a little. And your story is safe with me." He said, kindly. "What do you say?"

I smiled.

"I would like that." I answered.

"Good." He said, smiling. "You'll need a change of clothes and a fake name."

I thought for a while and allowed Aramis to help shop for me.

"How about... Auburn Dunland?" I asked.

"Sounds perfect!" He said. "Here. Try these on."

He handed me a pair of boots and trousers and a tunic. I ran to a change room while Aramis held my horse for me. I quickly changed and stepped out, looking up at Aramis.

"Well?" I asked.

"It looks great on you, kid." He answered.

I smiled.

"I've got some money with me..." I said, walking over to my horse to grab my bag.

"No, no. I'm paying." He insisted.

"Are you sure? I could pay for myself." I said.

"Nope. I'm going to pay for you today."

"Okay."

We paid for my new clothes and I put them on and put my dress in my bag.

"Come on. Let's go home."

"Home?" I asked.

"Yes. My home. You'll live there with us." He responded.

"Who's us?"

"Porthos and Athos. Come on. We're almost there."

I smiled and followed Aramis into a building.

"Who's this?" Asked a man with dark brown hair pulled back.

"I am Auburn Dunland. I've come to join the Musketeers." I replied.

"I'm Athos. And over there is Porthos." He said, pointing over to a man who was eating and drinking.

Porthos waved and I smiled and waved back.

"You think you've got what it takes?" Athos asked.

"I hope so. My brother taught me fencing and how to use guns." I replied.

"Was he a Musketeer?"

"No, but he was very brave and he was always good at shooting and fencing."

"We could train with her in the fields." Aramis said.

I looked up and smiled.

"Then let's go." Porthos said, getting up. "Have you got a horse?"

I nodded.

"His name is Grey." I stated.

"Great." He said.

We went out the door and I saddled my horse. Grey trotted down to the field as I followed the men. Once we reached the field, Athos handed me a sword to use.

"Ready?" He asked.

I nodded and got into a fighting stance. I swung at him and he blocked it. We began clashing swords until my sword flew in the air. I looked up and watched Athos catch it in his hand. He smiled at me and I smirked. I ran towards him summersaulted under him. He looked down and I ran behind him and grabbed my sword.

He turned around and his sword clashed against mine. I continued swinging again and again until he lost his grip. His sword flew into the air and I caught it. I swung my leg under him, causing him to trip and fall. I heard bursts of laughter coming from Porthos and Aramis. I put the sword under Athos' chin.

"Good fight." I said.

"Thanks. You're not bad." Athos said.

I helped him up.

"Neither are you." I responded, handing back his swords.

"She can stay!" Porthos announced.

I laughed while Aramis clapped. I saddled my horse and followed the men as they led me back to my new home.