sit down.
sit. d'artagnan sighs, sits in a large wooden chair. a beat. his mother speaks quietly, eyes turned back to the open chest.
your father was a proud man. and he had a right to be. i never knew one as brave or as kind. he knew that his strength was a gift to be given in the service of honor. that is why he dedicated his life to his country and his king. that is why he gave his life, for both.
i watched you this morning and saw someone i knew. you have your father's heart, his will to fight, his courage. but these gifts have no value unless they are given. she rises, holds the sword out to him.
it's time for you find your fortune with men as brave and as bold as you are. in paris. with the king's musketeers. you'll need this.
forged in the crusades, handed from generation to generation.
yes, son. and now to you. with that, she holds out the beautiful saber. d'artagnan takes it firmly into his hands.
i'm not your mother now. i'm speaking for your father. and this is what he would have told you. never forget the code of the d'artagnans. it is your special heritage. always seek out adventure.
never run from a fight.
never submit to insults. except from the king.
and be wary of cardinal richelieu for he rules france through the king. a bittersweet moment. d'artagnan posed before his first great adventure. but not completely certain that he wishes to leave home.
you've heard that every man in the musketeers is on the run from someone or something?
and for heaven's sake, practice your horsemanship.