The insights into both Athos and d'Artagnan's thoughts is intriguing. Athos clearly feels regret for his actions but pride is standing in the way. I hope their friendship is repaired soon.

d'Artagnan's continued love for Anne is truly epic, as well as well written. You convey not only longing but tenderness and love as well. Excellent.

And lol, lol, lol!

The incident with the girl and Philippe made me smile, as it was very sweet, but Porthos's reaction to it, as well as the other Musketeers, was hilarious! How many teenagers dread being caught by their parents with someone of the opposite gender! Ha ha, a good touch of comedy, every teenager's nightmare!

The first few paragraphs of this chapter are so full of detail- your eye for such a thing paints pictures with words.

Philippe's allegiance to his father is very admirable, and his ability to perceive emotions even when not expressed is very well-written. Maybe that will give Athos something to think about!

d'Artagnan's growing love for his son is so sweet- I hope he can shows his affection verbally soon, before they go to the palace.

Aramis really should learn to be more patient shouldn't he? And as for the women liking d'Artagnan, I suppose he is rather gorgeous for a man in middle age.

Athos's little temper tantrum was very well done, and excellent to bring in the mention of their first duel. Whether you see Man In The Iron Mask as the sequel to the 1993 Musketeers movie or just by following the books, it lends continuity to the storyline. And well done to d'Artagnan for walking away, keeping his Gascon temper leashed. Philippe's desire to protect his father is so adorable as well!

d'Artagnan's relationship with his son grows ever stronger doesn't it? The scene down by the river with the horse was a nice touch, giving them time to learn about one another, so great writing there, especially with the emotions. Porthos does continue to be the clown doesn't he, and Aramis's nonchalance about Portho's drinking was very in character and in keeping with the film. I have to say the scene where Porthos tried to hang himself was the funniest thing I've seen in a long time!

d'Artagnan's emotional anguish, towards Anne and Philippe, is so heartbreaking to read and very well-written. I applaud you, my friend

d'Artagnan's tenderness towards his son is so very real and touching- a brilliant job- and his interaction with him is very real, showing all the awkwardness to be expected between an estranged father and son, but also showing the potential to come.

The scene with the doctor was humourous, especially with Porthos in a drunken stupor in the corner. d'Artagnan's reactions certainly hark back to his youth, as a fiery young Gascon. I look forward to reading more, but I will have to leave off until tomorrow. I've got English in a few minutes. See you tomorrow, I am determined to review all 39 chapters, since they are so excellent and well-written.

Porthos, Porthos, Porthos. He truly is incorrigible isn't he. His characterisation is very entertaining to read, capturing the funny comments he always makes. Aramis is also well-captured, his zealous desire to proceed with his plan, whilst pressuring Philippe, is believable. I am glad d'Artagnan is sticking up for his son, however. An excellent chapter!

The confrontation of d'Artagnan was perfectly captured, with just the right amount of levity injected by Porthos at intervals! Your characterisation is really very good. The interaction between Philippe and d'Artagnan was touching and sincere, and very real for a father and son who have never seen each other.

And d'Artagnan's feeling of betrayal over Anne not telling him of the twins was very much in tune with the original film, and yet he loves her too much to remain angry. d'Artagnan certainly has come a long way from the fiery youth from Gascony!

Athos's grief is well written in this chapter, and Philippe's relationship with him is equally well written. Philippe also shows signs of being a leader when he not overrides Athos's objections but offers logical reasons why they must trust d'Artagnan.

d'Artagnan's angst over the revelation of his twin son was heart-breaking to see, excellently captured.

And Aramis, that old dog! He's too clever for his own good!

Aww this is a very touching chapter! Porthos's reaction to d'Artagnan was lovely to read, as well as the playful banter between them all, except Athos, of course.

Athos's anger is truly fascinating, from a psychological point of view. The King is out of reach, so he is projecting that anger onto d'Artagnan, seeing him as an enemy despite the man's true motives for coming to them. His grief over Raoul is heartbreaking, and I'm glad you switched it around so it was d'Artagnan who wrote to the general, not Christine. That is how it should've gone in the film, I feel. Another excellent chapter!

Oh dear, Athos's grief is making him rather irrational, isn't it? The relationship between the four Inseparables is very well captured, and fraught with tension, particularly between Athos and d'Artagnan! Again an excellent chapter from an excellent writer.

First of all I want to say what an incredible amount of detail there is in this first chapter. Your descriptive skills are impressive. The hostility between d'Artagnan and Athos is palpable and extremely well written, yet there is the relationship between Aramis and d'Artagnan that juxtaposes against it. d'Artagnan's thoughts are all very much in character, indeed Randall Wallace should have had you as his script writer. This is what should have happened in 'The Man In The Iron Mask'

Off to chapter 2!

loved this story! any chance of a sequal featuring Philippe & the Musketeers in action & adventure? maybe an original story continuing where this one left off?

I have to say, this was a great read. I found this story more or less by accident, but when I began to read it I just couldn't stop. You have a very good writing style, and the storyline was perfect. Well, I was not totally convinced by Louis' change of heart in the end, and I have trouble imagining that he would even speak to d'Artagnan - let alone request his presence - but well...

I was also very impressed with your knowledge of the historical context. Being French myself, I learnt about the history of my country, and naturally, I read Dumas' books when I was a child. It is obvious your story is well-documented, and you cared a great deal for details. I do not know what your nationality is (perhaps you're French, after all... but I doubt it, your English is too good), but in any case you seem to be knowledgeable of French history.

I will however comment on one tiny detail or two. First, D'Artagnan should be written d'Artagnan, since the d' is a particle. And secondly, you mentioned the Marquis de Archambalt, if I remember correctly. When the first letter of the name is a vowel, the particle is contracted so that it's easier to pronounce - just like "de Artagnan" becomes "d'Artagnan", "de Archambalt" would be in fact "d'Archambalt". I know, annoying French grammar, but that's how it is. Well, it's really just a trifle, but I thought I'd mention it anyway.

Apart from that, there is little to be said - except that I love to eat pain d'épices too ;)

I enjoyed your story a lot, and I hope you write more in the future.

This was truly marvellous!

Wynter, what can I say? This was an extrodinarily amazing story from beginning to end. These last few chapters were all I knew they would be and more. I was glad to see Louis taken from the Bastille and to a more comfortable place, even if he was basically still a prisoner. It certainly gave him time to think about his life and the cruelties he had placed upon others.

I'm glad he and Phillipe came to somewhat of a truce in the end. It was fitting and so I give you a nod for what you have accomplished with this story. While I am sad to see it end, I am glad to see it end on such a good note, i.e. D'Artagnan did not die. Thank you for that. Bravo, my friend and I hope to see you write more stories after this. You are one of my absolute favorites writers on here and anything you write will be worth the read.

Tipper