Another beautiful exposition of some of the most endearing characters in the D'Artagnan Romances series, written in your flawless, Dumas-like style.

What I love most about this story is the family-like atmosphere it exudes. While in the books the relationship between Athos and Raoul is filled with love and tenderness it is presented as quite rigid. You, and I need to congratulate you for that, manage to get past the barrier of formalism between the two characters and convert their relationship into a normal father-son one. Even more amazing, is that you manage to do the aforementioned without departing from the perception of the characters that has been ingrain into the public consciousness.

The matters that you tackle in this story are pertinent and show a deep understanding of the time period. The innocence with which Raoul asks about the lack of equality between individuals is endearing and the way in which the count answers gives you credit for you have managed to make an idea that is ludicrous by today's standards seem completely acceptable. The entire conversation between Raoul and his father flows naturally, mostly because of your delightful prose, and I got the distinct impression that I was an unseen witness to it. It is an amazing feat that you can draw the reader in the setting of your story with such easiness.

Last but not the least, the ending is touching because it shows a glimpse of the relationship Athos has with Grimaund. This two men, although unequal in birth, seem to be, for all intents and purposes, friends (although neither would outright admit it). I always enjoyed reading the way in which Dumas presents the interactions between each musketeer and his servant for it tells a lot about the character of each of the main characters. Out of the four of them I always got the distinct impression that the relationship between Athos and Grimaund was the strongest, closely followed by Porthos and Mousqueton. I really liked how you presented their interaction for it shows an unique sense of companionship and mutual acceptance. Bravo!

Lemondrop

You're back!

This story is so good! I feel bad about Raoul's lost toy though, it was his favourite one after all. I could see the conflict that Athos went through in order to tell his son why they were not equal... bringing in the horse example made me smile though. It made Raoul understand a bit better though he did say "It is not fair!"

I like your stories! Continue writing please.