A first venture into FF for some time: I'm citing pressure of work and lack of inspiration as the main culprits, but "The Musketeers" got to me having loved these characters since childhood and this is the result.

This is set pre-series (so no d'Artagnan) and is a reinvention of an idea I tried previously with another fandom but had to abandon when real life and my dissatisfaction with the resolution caused it to grind to a halt. Rest assured, I do have a clear idea of how this is going to work out, I even have an epilogue drafted in my mind for it. All I need now is the time to get it written.

Apologies in advance to anyone who finds my "wordy" style irritating: It's just how I like to write.

Additional author's note: Reviews, both positive and constructively negative, are always welcomed.

Additional, additional author's note: My thanks to Deana for pointing out the mess I made of the original posting of this.

A Simple Mission

Prologue

The muted but still warm September sun had already reached its zenith and begun its graceful descent to mid afternoon when the modest hamlet received an unexpected arrival.

The grey mare moved slowly and carefully. Whilst undoubtedly due, in part, to whatever caused the significant amount of dried blood visible on her rear flank, her cautious movements also spoke, to anyone with an appreciation of the sensitivity frequently displayed by these noble creatures, of a more deep-seated deference to the sad nature of her cargo and a desire to carry it safely to someone who might assist.

The cargo, a man as its shape clearly defined it to be, was slung across the beast's saddle, secured by a belt and a short length of rope and wrapped in a dark blanket. His boots were all that was visible.

He was obviously dead.

A boy, of no more than 14 or 15 years old, let out a cry of anguish as he recognised the animal and moved towards it but was stopped by one of the village women who cautioned him to let the men deal with this...he was too young to see what may lay beneath the covering. His further resistance was quelled by a steadying hand on his shoulder as one of the older men passed them approaching the scene, warning him quietly not to startle the horse.

The man neared the mare, uttering soft words to soothe and assure her she'd done well to come to them; she halted and allowed him to take her reins. He stroked her neck briefly, ensuring she was calm and happy to accompany him before leading her gently to a small barn at the end of the main, and only, street. With a brief hand gesture he indicated for the boy to fetch the blacksmith, the only other adult male not presently employed in the fields; the youngster ran to do his bidding.

Once in the barn, the older man briefly checked the horse; he could, after all, do nothing for her passenger. The wound appeared to be a furrow through the hair, breaking the skin on its way. Although unfamiliar with what could cause such a wound on an animal he reassured her that they'd take care of it as soon as possible and she stood calmly, apparently confident of his good intentions.

The arrival of the blacksmith allowed both men a moment to assess the situation more fully. Things like this didn't happen in their small settlement and they were a little unsure how to proceed and more than a little nervous about what lay beneath the covering.

After a moment or two the older man spoke:

"His hands have been secured so they don't hang down. Whoever sent him to us clearly wanted him treated with dignity. We are being asked to look after him properly."

The blacksmith nodded nervously and indicated that they should get the corpse down so that it could be laid out more appropriately.

The bindings released easily and the two men gently slid the body from the saddle, bringing it to rest on a blanket they'd laid on a bed of straw. As they did so, part of the cadaver's covering slid away to reveal the right shoulder.

A gasp was heard behind them, the boy had sneaked into the barn unheard by either man as they concentrated on their task.

Looking down they saw the cause of his reaction.

TBC