Script episode 1.01 - Friends and Ennemies
Two men ride on horses under a heavy rain.
D’Artagnan: Come on, you’re tired, father. We should stop here.
Alexandre: Paris is only a few hours away.
D’Artagnan: Paris will still be there in the morning.
Alexandre: Look, I could ride all night. But if YOU’re saying YOU need to rest …
Alexandre enters the inn and calls for someone. D'Artagnan goes to the stables.
Innkeeper: Yes!
Into the stables.
D’Artagnan: Good boy.
A few men, dressed up as Musketeers and riding horses, arrive at the inn.
Innkeeper: Trying to eat my dinner …
Alexandre: My son and I need beds for the night. We’ve come a long way.
Innkeeper: Heading for Paris Monsieur?
Alexandre: Ah, yes. To petition the King on Gascony's behalf. His new taxes are an intolerable burden.
The other customer of the inn stands up and goes to them.
Michel Fournier: Too right. This country is going to hell. Michel Fournier at your service.
Alexandre: Alexandre d'Artagnan at yours.
Outside, the horsemen are about to enter the inn.
The leader: Check the stables.
Michel Fournier: The Cardinal bleeds us dry. It would never have happened under the old King. He was a man of the peop…
The door opens, the Musketeers-like men enter.
The leader: My name is Athos, of the King's Musketeers. Kindly empty your pockets of money and jewellery. If you want to live do it now.
In the stables, d'Artagnan takes care of the horses. Two men get arrive on his back
Bandit: Get over here !
Alexandre: I was told, the Musketeers were honorable men. I see that I was misinformed.
The leader: You think this is bad? I'm only just getting started.
The leader shoots at both Fournier and Alexandre. D'Artagnan, in the stables, fights with one of the bandits, while the other one flees. He tries to stop the horsemen who are now fleeing. Alexandre, bleeding, comes outside and dies in his son's arms.
D'Artagnan: I could not stop them. Father ? Father ! Father …
Alexandre, dying: Athos, Athos …
----- GENERIQUE -----
PARIS, 1630
Athos wakes up in his bed with a huge hangover. He plunges his head in an ice bucket, and starts to train. He goes out and joins Porthos, who is playing cards with a Red Guard at the tavern. Porthos laughs.
Dujon: That's … that's impossible. You cheated.
Athos: What's going on?
Porthos: Dujon and I were having a discussion about personal integrity.
Dujon: Your friend had the King up his sleeve.
Porthos: Oh, that's slander. Tell him, Athos.
Athos: Don't involve me in this.
Dujon stands up and threatens Porthos with his pistol.
Athos: Shoot him and it's murder.
Dujon: One less Musketeer. Who cares?
Athos: Fine words from a Red Guard. There's only one way to resolve this. A duel between two gentlemen supervised according the strict code of honor.
Dujon, putting down his pistol: Fine. In a fair fight I'm a match for anyone.
Porthos: Confidence. I like that in a man.
Dujon: Still, why fight fair when you might lose?
Dujon pulls out his sword and directly threatens Porthos.
Porthos: My sword.
Dujon: Your problem.
They start to fight in the middle of the tavern, among tables and chairs.
Athos: Attacking an unarmed opponent defies every principle of chivalry.
Porthos takes a fork and uses it as a weapon.
Athos: Close enough.
Porthos: En garde.
They both fight, when Athos suddenly knocks out Dujon.
Porthos: What happened to the code?
Athos: Oh… Who has time? Treville wants to see us.
Porthos picks up the money on the table.
Athos: Porthos …
Porthos: Yeah, I need to work on that.
Athos: Where's Aramis? Tell me he's not that stupid?
Aramis lays on bed with Adele, who is pointing at his scars, on his body.
Adele: This?
Aramis: Stabbed in combat at the siege of Montauban in '21.
Adele: And this one?
Aramis: Musket ball at the Ile de Ré, '22.
Adele: Poor Aramis … And this one?
Aramis: Your nails, at the Luxembourg Gardens, the day before yesterday.
Adele: Armand will be here soon.
Aramis: He doesn't love you as I do.
Adele: Yes, but he pays for all of this. Don't be like that.
A carriage arrives the street, and stops at the door. The Cardinal steps out.
Adele: Oh, my God! He's early. No, don't go that way, he'll see you.
Aramis: Please tell me there's another way out.
Adele: The window.
Aramis runs towards the window.
Aramis: Have you seen how far down that is? No, that's not going to work. I'll … simply tell the Cardinal I had a good reason for being here.
Adele: In my bedroom?
Aramis: You thought you saw a rat and screamed. I was passing by and ran to help. Easy.
Adele: If you love me, you'll jump.
Aramis: Right. My sword.
Adele: Please, go now.
Aramis: My pistol.
Aramis just gets time to jump through the window, when The Cardinal enters the room.
Adele: Armand! How wonderful to see you!
Armand: It's chilly in here my dear.
Adele: Is it? I'm rather hot. Come here my love.
Armand: I can't stay for long. Affairs of state.
Adele: But I hardly get to see you these days.
The Cardinal closes the window, with a suspicious, as Aramis is still hanging up at the ledge.
Armand: I'm sure you find other ways to amuse yourself.
Adele: I'd much rather amuse myself with you.
Porthos and Athos arrive in the street. They look at Aramis, hanging at the ledge. They laugh at him.
The three Musketeers arrive at the Garrison.
Aramis: Why not Adele?
Porthos: Oh, I don't know, let's think. Because she's the mistress of the most powerful man in France?
Aramis: Gentlemen, I love her.
Athos: You love her? Or you love stealing what belong to the Cardinal?
Treville, looking at them from his office: You three! My office. Now.
Aramis, ironic: He looks happy.
In Treville's office.
Treville: I've had complaints. An allegation you've been dueling with the Cardinal's Red Guards. Is it true?
Athos: Let me think… No. Because … that would be illegal.
Treville: I can't protect you from the Cardinal if you keep fighting his men. Captain Cornet and his troop are missing. I need you to find out where they are.
Athos: I thought you sent him to Chartres.
Treville: I did. He should have been back yesterday. There's been no word.
Porthos: Well, what was he doing there?
Treville, sighing : He was carrying a number of… confidential items to an important meeting at the monastery. Don't bother asking me any more questions, because I can't answer them. He was engaged in the King's work - that's all I can say. Just get yourselves to Chartres and find out what's happened.
In the street, d'Artagnan arrives in Paris, and stops in an inn.
Inkeeper: 20 sous for the bed. Ten, if you share. Any lice or crabs?
D'Artagnan: No, thanks, just bed and dinner.
The innkeeper swatches a cockroach on the bedroom floor.
Innkeeper: This is a very clean house. Hmm … Monsieur?
D'Artagnan: Son of the late Alexandre of Lupiac in Gascony.
Innkeeper: Didn't ask for your life story. Dinner is extra.
D'Artagnan: Clean water?
Innkeeper: Extra.
D'Artagnan: Soap?
The innkeeper opens her mouth to answer, but d'Artagnan stops her with a hand.
D'Artagnan: Don't tell me, I can guess.
The innkeeper: But use of the communal towel … is free.
At Versailles, the King shoots at birds under her Majesty's, Treville, and his Court's eyes.
The King: There's something about shooting that makes a man feel fully alive.
The Queen: Unlike the birds, I suppose.
The King: They're born to be shot, like rabbits… and poets. Now!
The Cardinal arrives.
The Cardinal: Good shot, Your Majesty.
The King: good enough for the Musketeers, Treville?
Treville: My men are professional soldiers, Your Majesty.
The King: You should try flattery sometimes. It plays very well around here.
Treville: I have always told Your Majesty the truth, and always will.
The King: That's why I like you, Treville. These people just pay me empty compliments. It amuses me to have an honest man at court. What can I do for you Cardinal?
The Cardinal: Reports are arriving with disturbing frequency, Your Majesty. Musketeers on the rampage, robbing and murdering.
Treville: There has been some mistake. These villains are NOT Musketeers.
The Queen: I, for one, don't believe a word of it. I never knew such a loyal and law-abiding body of men.
The Cardinal: But I strongly advise an inquiry.
The King: Is that really necessary?
The Cardinal: I know you love Captain Treville, but a great King must be seen to be fair. He cannot have favourites.
The King: Unless it's you, you mean?
The Cardinal: There have been no recent desertions, no absences? Not one Musketeer unaccounted for?
Treville: None.
The King: There you are, then, Cardinal.
The Cardinal : It's Your Majesty's reputation that concerns me. These men wear the King's uniform.
The King: Very well. We will have an inquiry. You will give it your full co-operation, Treville. Now!
He shoots.
The Musketeers ride at full speed through a snow-covered forest. They arrive in Chartres, where they ask for more information to a man.
Aramis: He waited all night for Cornet and his men. They never appeared.
Porthos: Well, a troop of Musketeers can't just vanish into thin air.
Aramis: The Abbot was told to expect an envoy from Spain.
Athos: Treville didn't mention a Spanish envoy.
Aramis: It doesn't matter, he didn't appear either.
Porthos: Cornet is a fine soldier. If he's gone missing, there's a good reason.
Aramis: Or a bad one.
In Paris, d'Artagnan is at a table, in the inn. A man comes in, followed by a fair lady.
Mendoza: We'll have your best room. And if the bed had fleas, you'll be whipped.
Milady: Draw me a bath. Be sure the water is clean, I don't want to bathe in someone else's scum.
D'Artagnan: Clean water is extra, Madame. Don't even ask about the towel.
Mendoza: Are you addressing me, sir?
D'Artagnan: Not unless your name is "Madame".
Mendoza: Forgive me, Milady, while I teach this oaf a lesson in manners.
Whereas Mendoza pulls out his sword, d'Artagnan is already pointing at him with his pistol.
D'Artagnan: Put it back, or I'll blow your head off.
Mendoza: You are not a gentleman.
D'Artagnan: That stings.
Milady: He's just some drunken thug, Mendoza. Put your sword away.
Mendoza, putting his sword back: We'll settle this at breakfast.
D'Artagnan: I'll be in the courtyard at eight.
Milady and Mendoza go upstairs. The innkeeper gives d'Artagnan his supper.
D'Artagnan: This looks like a badger's intestines.
Innkeeper: Speciality of the house. Enjoy.
At Adele's. The lady is looking at Aramis's weapon in her drawer, when the Cardinal suddenly appears.
The Cardinal: You look beautiful tonight, Adele.
Adele: Armand, you're tired. Is it another one of your headaches?
The Cardinal: I feel like my head night burst. The King is a petulant child. The regions refuse to be governed The treasury is as … good as bankrupt. Yet I am obliged to spend half my time dealing with the indiscipline of the Musketeers.
Adele: You ruin your health for the sake of France.
She starts to massage his head.
The Cardinal: It's these Musketeers who will ruin France. They are ungovernable faction at the heart of the state.
Adele: Is that why you hate them so much, because they're beyond your control?
The Cardinal: Nothing's beyond my control. I need a distraction. Undress for me.
Adele: Feeling better I see.
The Cardinal: I can trust no-one at court. I'm surrounded by fools and liars. But at least I can always rely on you.
In the inn, d'Artagnan and Milady bump into each other in the stairs. He then realizes she has just stolen his gun.
Milady: Missing something? You still need that lesson in manners.
They start to kiss each other and go to d'Artagnan's room.
Milady: Oh, do you want to …
D'Artagnan: What of your companion?
Milady: Trust me. He won't wake up.
At night, a coach is heading through a street. It stops in front of an inanimate body lying in the middle of the street. The driver goes down and gets closer to the man, who suddenly wakes up and threats him with a pistol.
The bandit: Tell your friends that Athos of the Musketeers spared your life!
The coach driver flees. Inside the coach, a man and a woman start to worry.
The man: Why have we stopped?
The bandit appears at the window, and shoots at them.
In the inn, Milady is lying next to d'Artagnan.
Milady: What is it? What troubles you?
D'Artagnan: I'd rather not talk about it. I just want to watch you and forget for a few hours.
D'Artagnan looks under Milady's necklace, which hides a scar.
D'Artagnan: What happened?
Milady: The man I loved tried to murder me.
D'Artagnan: Say the word, and I'll kill him for you.
Milady: I might hold you to that one day.
In the morning, d'Artagnan, still in bed, hears a scream from outside his room. He has a look around and discovers a dagger stained with blood in the pillow next to him. He gets up, the dagger is his hand walks through the crowded corridor, to see what happened. He discovers with horror Mendoza, dead in his bath. All the customers of the inn are staring at him. The innkeeper turns back to d'Artagnan.
Innkeeper: You! You murdered him! Hold him someone.
D'Artagnan runs to his room where he locks himself up. Under the pressure of the other customers against the door, he decides to jump through the window to escape. He falls on the floor, hurting himself badly. The innkeeper appears at the window.
Innkeeper, shouting: There he is!
The villagers: He's a murderer! Stop him!
D'Artagnan, hurt, runs through the market, while people run after him. He enters the market.
A man: Stop him!
D'Artagnan stops by a pillar, and seizes a young woman doing shopping.
D'Artagnan: I'll give you five livres to kiss me.
He kisses her, against her will. Meanwhile, the innkeeper and the others pass close to them, without noticing.
D'Artagnan, watching at the people passing: That actually worked …
Constance slaps d'Artagnan. She seizes a knife and threatens him.
Constance: Oh, you degenerate! Touch me again, and I'll gut you like a fish. Do I look like a working girl?
D'Artagnan: Well, … yeah.
Constance: This is my best dress! How does this say prostitute to you?
D'Artagnan: My apologies, Mademoiselle.
Constance: It's Madame.
D'Artagnan: Madame! I won't trouble you any further.
D'Artagnan stumbles away, in a pity state.
Constance: Are you all right?
D'Artagnan: Do you the way to the Musketeer's Garrison?
Constance: Why do you want to know?
D'Artagnan: I have some business to settle on my father's behalf.
Constance: You really don't look well.
D'Artagnan starts to walk away, when he suddenly falls on the floor.
At the Bonacieux's, Constance takes care of d'Artagnan. She passes water on his forehead. He wakes up abruptly, seizing her hand and looking at her with suspicion.
D'Artagnan: Where am I?
Constance, with disdain: My husband's house.
D'Artagnan, holding his head: Oh … No, I can't stay here.
He tries to stands up, moaning. He starts to dress up and bangs his head against the light.
D'Artagnan: I have an appointment with the Musketeer Athos.
Constance: I know him. Is he a friend of yours?
D'Artagnan: Not exactly.
Constance: You can barely walk.
D'Artagnan: That's my problem. Now, will you tell me the way to the Musketeers' Garrison or not?
Constance: You're in no shape to fight, if that's what you're thinking of. I have three older brothers. I know that look in a man's eye.
D'Artagnan: With respect, that's none of your business.
Constance: You made it my business when you fell at my feet.
D'Artagnan: You're a beautiful woman. I'm sure you're used to it.
Constance: I should have just left you in the gutter.
D'Artagnan: My apologies. I'm not always so ill-mannered. Might I enquire the name of my saviour?
Constance: Bonacieux. Constance Bonacieux.
D'Artagnan: Athos killed my father, Constance. That's why I must face him. I'm d'Artagnan. Please think kindly of my name … if you think of it at all.
D'Artagnan leaves. Constance watches him walking in the street from the window.
At the Garrison, Athos, Porthos and Aramis come back from Chartres.
Aramis: Feed the horses. See they are rested.
Porthos: I'm starving…
D'Artagnan, entering the courtyard of the Garrison: I'm looking for Athos.
Athos: You've found him.
D'Artagnan: My name is d'Artagnan of Lupiac in Gascony. Prepare to fight. One of us dies here.
Aramis: Now, that's a way to make an entrance.
Both Athos and d'Artagnan pull out their sword and prepare to fight.
Athos: Can I ask why?
D'Artagnan: You murdered my father.
Athos: You're mistaken. I'm not the man you're looking for.
D'Artagnan, running towards him: Murderer !
The two men start to fight.
D'Artagnan: Do you deny you shot Alexandre d'Artagnan two days ago in cold blood?
Athos: I usually remember the men I kill. That name means nothing to me.
D'Artagnan: Then you're a liar as well!
They keep on fighting, Porthos and Aramis stay aside and watch them.
Aramis: Remarkable. He's keeping up with Athos.
Porthos: Rubbish. He just doesn't want to hurt the lunatic.
Athos finally gets the upper hand and points at d'Artagnan's throat with his sword.
Athos: That's enough! That could have been your throat. Don't make me kill you over a mistake. I didn't kill you father and I don't want to kill you.
Athos goes back to the other Musketeers. D'Artagnan takes the opportunity to pick a dagger on the floor and to toss it towards Athos. The dagger sticks in the pillar, next to Aramis. Feeling upset, he pulls out his sword alongside Athos.
D'Artagnan: And that could have been your back. Now fight me or die on your knees! I don't care which. No?
D'Artagnan runs towards Athos, but Aramis pushes him with his own sword.
Aramis: He said enough.
D'Artagnan: Very well. I'll fight both of you.
They start to fight again. Porthos then decides to take part in the fight too.
Porthos: Three of us? Now, for God's sake, put up your sword.
D'Artagnan: You'll have to kill me for it.
They start again to fight, the three Musketeers against d'Artagnan.
Porthos: Lively little bugger, aren't ya?!
D'Artagnan finally gets stuck on the stairs, threatened by the swords of the three Musketeers.
A voice: Stop fighting! All of you!
Constance appears in the Garrison.
Constance: Is three against one fair?
Athos: We weren't going to kill him.
Porthos: Weren't we?
Aramis: Next time, let us know.
Athos: Madame Bonacieux, what are you doing here?
Constance: I followed him because I knew he was going to do something stupid.
D'Artagnan: I don't need a woman to protect me.
Constance: Don't say another word. If only men would think instead of fight, there might be more good ones left.
Aramis: Him, I'm not sure about. Her, I like.
Treville arrives at the Garrison with other Musketeers.
Treville: What's going on? Never mind. Did you find Cornet?
Athos: He never made it to the monastery. Give us 20 men and we'll search the road to Chartres.
Treville: Athos, I'm sorry. These men have come to arrest you. You're to appear before the King immediately, charged with robbery and murder. I promised them there'd be no trouble.
Athos gives his sword to Treville. He looks at d'Artagnan.
Athos: I'm not the man you're looking for.
D'Artagnan: Why did my father name you before he died?
Athos: I don't know.
The scene now takes place in a crowded Court. Athos, handcuffed, is standing up, in front of the King and the Queen, facing the Cardinal's accusations.
The Cardinal: This man, stands accused of highway robbery assault and murder. While Captain Treville looks the other way his men riot in the streets.
Treville: The charges are false, Your Majesty.
The Cardinal: There are witnesses.
He points at a man. The innkeeper steps forward.
The Cardinal: You. Tell the King what happened.
Innkeeper: I own an inn. The Musketeer named Athos and his men, robbed me and murdered two of my guests, Michel Fournier and a Gascon named Alexandre d'Artagnan.
Athos: I have never seen this man before in my life!
The Cardinal points at another young man, the driver, who steps forward, and bows to the King.
The Cardinal: You.
The driver: I was driving my master and mistress home. We were attacked by a bandit. He said his name was Athos. He shot them both.
The Cardinal: Is this your assailant?
The driver: Yes, I believe so. He wore the same uniform.
Treville: Oh, this is a mockery of justice !
Athos, shouting: There is not a word of truth in this! These men are mistaken!
The Cardinal: Musketeers are not above the law. Remember Sire. The King's judgment is infallible.
The King: Quite right. An example must be set. Take this Athos to the Chatelet. He will executed at dawn.
The King stands up and leaves the room, while everybody bows. Treville runs after him in the corridor.
Treville: Your Majesty, if I might have a moment in private.
The King: The matter is closed, Treville.
Treville: It's about Cornet.
The King: What about him?
Treville: He's gone missing. So have your letters.
The King: You assured me he was trustworthy. Do you realise what's at stake?
Treville: There's no need for panic.
The King, shouting: I am not …
The King looks around, and reconsiders his tone of voice.
The King: I am not panicking.
The King, looking at the Queen: This is your fault. You told me to be my own man.
The Queen: We must let Captain Treville handle it. He will not let us down.
The King: The Cardinal must not find out about those letters. Do you understand? He must NOT know. Oh, you have disappointed me, Treville.
The King and the Queen leave the place. Treville walks towards Porthos in a hurry.
Treville: If you want to help Athos, find Cornet.
At Bonacieux's, Constance heals d'Artagnan. Bonacieux is here.
Bonacieux: Jacques-Michel Bonacieux, at your service. Merchant in fine quality cloths and linens to the nobility. Perhaps you've… heard of me ?
D'Artagnan: I'm afraid not.
Bonacieux: Hmm. So how did you come by these injuries?
D'Artagnan: My injuries don't matter I've failed my father. I came to kill the man that murdered him, but all I've found is more questions. I can't rest until I know the truth.
Aramis and Porthos suddenly enter the house.
Aramis: That's lucky because rest is out of the question.
D'Artagnan quickly pulls out his sword.
Porthos: We're not here to fight.
Aramis: Those Musketeers who attacked you, would you know any of them again?
D'Artagnan: They all wore masks. I shot of them. His body might still be there at the inn.
Porthos: All right, saddle up. We're leaving.
Constance: This morning, you try and kill them and now you're best friends?
Aramis: Athos's life is at stake. He's to be executed in the morning for crimes he didn't commit. Forgive the intrusion Monsieur.
They all leave the place and ride through the snow-covered forest. In Paris, Athos is put in jail. D'Artagnan, Aramis and Porthos, arrive at the inn. D'Artagnan exchanges words with the innkeeper. The three men are now looking at the shot-dead men, previously buried.
Porthos: He's no Musketeer.
D'Artagnan: Look at his clothes. There's two bullet holes.
Aramis: So?
D'Artagnan: I only fired once.
Porthos opens the dead man's coat.
Porthos: This is the shot that killed him. And this hole … doesn't match any wound.
Aramis: It means he wasn't wearing the uniform when it was fired.
Porthos: But someone else was.
Aramis: Cornet.
Porthos: Those Musketeers didn't just disappear. They were attacked.
The Musketeers and D'Artagnan leave the place.
In Paris, a priest visits Athos.
Priest: Make your last confession with an open heart, my son And God will forgive you and your sins.
Athos: There was a woman. She died by my hand.
Priest: You murdered her?
Athos: I loved her. Find some poor soul who deserves forgiveness, Father. Don't waste your time with me.
Athos closes his eyes.
FLASHBACK.
Athos walks in the countryside. He joins a young woman who is waiting under a tree; we can't see her face. Athos holds a forget-me-not.
PRESENT.
A door slams. Athos opens his eyes.
In a dark chapel, a woman appears, hidden by her hood. The Cardinal is lighting a church candle.
The Cardinal: You choose well. Athos is held in the highest regard by his fellow Musketeers. His disgrace and execution will strike a deadly blow to their morale. But why him?
Milady: I have my reasons.
The Cardinal: I don't like secrets.
Milady: You asked me to help you discredit the Musketeers. I have done so.
The Cardinal: And you've been well paid for it.
Milady: There are other who will pay. But my loyalty is to you. Let that be enough.
The Cardinal: Our plan did not include the murder of the Spanish traitor, Mendoza. HE was still useful to me.
Milady: He was a bad lover and a terrible bore. Mendoza betrayed his country for a handful of gold and a place un my bed. In due course, he would have betrayed you as well. He knew too much. You hired me to do a job. Mendoza's precious cargo, with the King's own seal. Why do these letters mean so much to you?
The Cardinal: The King has begun to believe he can rule without me. The loss of these letters will remind him otherwise. One more thing. Find out who owns this pistol. Return it to me when you have his name. You will be well rewarded.
Milady is about to leave.
The Cardinal: Tell me Milady, did you enjoy killing Mendoza? Did it give you pleasure?
She leaves without answering.
The Musketeers and d'Artagnan still ride through the forest.
Porthos: If I was planning an ambush, I'd do it here Plenty of cover, good sightlines. Cornet wouldn't have suspected a thing.
Aramis: Over there.
The three men reach some corpses, away from the road, eaten by the crows. They take a close look at them.
Aramis: Cornet.
Porthos, angry: They shot them like animals and then stripped them of their uniforms!
Aramis: D'Artagnan, the man who did this killed your father as well. If you want justice, help us find them and clear Athos's name.
While d'Artagnan is still thinking about Aramis's proposition, Porthos, about to get back to his horse, discovers a golden coin to his feet.
Porthos: Was Cornet carrying Spanish gold? You could go a year in Paris without seeing a new Spanish doubloon… and that makes two in a week.
He picks up a coin from his pocket.
D'Artagnan: Where did you get that?
Porthos: I won it… in a card game, with a Red Guard.
At the Court, the King and the Cardinal are having a discussion.
The Cardinal: There have been numerous incidents and provocations. War with Spain is inevitable.
The King: It is not the time for war.
The Cardinal: On the contrary, Spain must not be allowed to dominate Europe. That is France's destiny.
The King: The Queen is Spanish.
The Cardinal: I am aware of that.
The King: I never knew a woman with so many opinions. I wrote some letters to my brother-in-law, the King of Spain. Letters that touched upon our foreign policy.
The Cardinal: What did these letters say?
The King: They discussed the terms of a peace treaty.
The Cardinal: France must resist Spanish aggression. I have made our position very clear.
The King: The thing is, the letters have gone missing. If they were to fall into the hands of our enemies… it might prove embarrassing.
The Cardinal: Perhaps "fatal" would be a better word, Sire. Such letters would show France to weak… and divided. What other conclusion is possible, if the King allows his First Minister to pursue one policy in public while advocating another in private?! It's clear… I must withdraw from public life immediately.
The King: I will give you whatever you want, Armand, just get me out of this mess.
The Cardinal pretends to leave.
The King: I should never have done anything without your counsel!
The Cardinal stops. He finally steps back to the King.
The Cardinal: How were these letters conveyed?
The King: Treville arranged it. And then his Musketeers made a mess of everything. Just tell me what to do, and I'll do it. I will disband their whole regiment, if that's what it takes to make you happy.
The Cardinal: Well, in due course, possibly.
The King: Only please, don't leave me alone.
The Cardinal: I am ever Your Majesty's humble servant. We will see what can be done.
At the tavern, the crowd suddenly gets quiet: Porthos just enterered the room.
Porthos: I hate it when that happens. I love the crowd in here - very chatty!
Innkeeper: I don't want any trouble.
Porthos: Anyone'd think you didn't like me. I'm looking for Dujon. Scrawny bloke, Red Guard.
Innkeeper: I haven't seen him.
Seated at a table, further in the dark, Dujon listens to the conversation.
Porthos: I was told he was here.
The Red Guard stands up and discretely pulls out a dagger on his back. He walks towards Porthos.
Innkeeper: Well, you was told wrong.
Porthos suddenly turns back and hits the Red Guard against the table. The man falls on the floor, unconscious.
Porthos, to the innkeeper: Would you believe it, huh? Here he is!
In an attic, Aramis and Porthos throw the man on the floor, his hands tied. They take off his hood. D'Artagnan is also in the room, but he remains in the shadows, listening.
Aramis: Time to pay the reckoning for Cornet.
Porthos: I bet he's going to say, "I have no idea what you're talking about".
Aramis: And then we'll have to hurt him.
Porthos: At which point, he'll suddenly remember he killed him… Why wait?
He looks at Aramis, who shrugs. The man looks at them terrified.
Porthos: Let's just hurt him now.
Aramis: It could go like that. Or we can just skip to the confession part. It would save us time, and you pain. A lot of pain.
Dujon: I was just following orders.
Porthos, to Aramis: He was just following orders.
Aramis: We'd better let him go, then.
Porthos grasps the Red Guard.
Dujon: I … I can't tell you! They'll kill me!
Aramis, separating Porthos and Dujon: No need for that. We're not brutes. We'll just shoot him.
Dujon: What? No, listen, you can't, please…
Porthos laughs and puts him against the pillar. D'Artagnan seems uncomfortable.
Aramis: You know… people say I'm quite good with these.
Porthos, fastening him to the pillar: Good? He's the best. He's so modest.
Aramis: But… the musket isn't the most reliable weapon. From 100 yards, I'll probably miss as often as I hit. From 50, well, I rarely miss. But from 10? It's just a matter of, which vital organ do I choose to hit first?
Dujon: No, no, no, please, listen, listen…
Porthos: Heart?
Aramis: Too swift. The liver, perhaps. Or a stomach shot. Death is inevitable, but you'll bleed for hours first.
Dujon: You can't. This is murder.
Porthos: We won't tell, if you won't.
Aramis points his gun at Dujon. D'Artagnan looks at them, and starts to worry. Aramis squeezes the trigger, but no bullet is fired.
Porthos, to Dujon's face: Bang!
Aramis: Oh !
Porthos laughs, and d'Artagnan seems slightly relieved.
Aramis, taking out a bullet from his pocket: I forgot the ball! This time …
Dujon: It was Captain Gaudet.
Porthos: Of the Red Guards.
Dujon: He told us to do it. He said a wanted a few man for a special mission. Something unofficial. An ambush to steal the King's letters. But Gaudet went mad. He killed them all. None of us knew it would be murder.
Porthos, showing the coin: You took this from Cornet.
Dujon: He saddle bags were full of Spanish gold. Gaudet said we could share it between is. I just…
D'Artagnan grasps violently Dujon.
D'Artagnan: Who murdered my father? Who?!
Porthos takes away d'Artagnan.
Dujon: Gaudet. It was Gaudet. He did it to blacken Athos's name. I'm not like him. I'm not a killer. I'm a soldier, like you.
Porthos grasps the man at his throat.
Aramis: Where is Gaudet now?
Dujon: He's camped in the old ruins, outside the city gates. I'll show you where… Just don't kill me.
Aramis: There, that wasn't so hard, now was it?
The four men, d'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos and Dujon climb a ditch skirting the ruins. It's almost dark. Aramis uses his spyglass.
Dujon: Gaudet keeps his camp well-guarded. You'll never surprise him.
Porthos, hitting him: Shut up!
Aramis: The bridge is the only way in and out. There's too many of them for a frontal assault. I could take a couple of them from here.
Porthos: No, by the time you've loaded, the rest will be long gone. Now if we're going to capture Gaudet alive and get back these uniforms it'll have to be by stealth. We need a distraction, something they'd never expect.
D'Artagnan: I know something that might work.
A while after, Constance, dressed as a prostitute, arrives close to the bridge.
Red Guard, pointing his gun at her: What do you want?
Constance: 50 sous and I'll take you to heaven.
Red Guard: Are you one of those religious nutcases?
Constance: It was a metaphor! Never mind. You … can do whatever you like. I'm all yours. Fair enough?
Red Guard, touching her hair: Yeah … Five sous?
Constance: Five?
Red Guard: All right, ten. But that's it.
Constance: Fine.
Porthos suddenly comes from behind the Red Guard and suffocates him. He falls on Constance's arms. Porthos remains hidden behind them, so that another Red Guard passing by can't see him.
Red Guard 2: Oi, my turn next!
Constance, with a disgusted look on her face, uses the first Red Guard's hand to wave at him and make him go away.
Porthos, carrying the first Red Guard: Excuse me.
Aramis, following him: Ten sous? Shame on you.
D'Artagnan, to Constance while Porthos gets rid of the first Red Guard above the bridge: I'm in you debt.
Constance: I'm doing this for Athos.
D'Artagnan nods at her. He stares at her.
Constance: Stop looking at me like that.
He smiles, and points at the forest.
D'Artagnan: Stay over there and you'll be safe, ok? If you're in any danger, use this.
He gives her a gun and gets inside the ruins, with the others.
The three men are inside the camps. They watch the guards from the shadows.
Aramis: There he is. That's Gaudet over there.
D'Artagnan: He thinks no one can touch him.
Aramis: Wait for my signal. Surprise is everything.
D'Artagnan suddenly runs out of the shadows. He pulls out his sword and runs towards Gaudet, shouting.
D'Artagnan: Gaudet !
Aramis: Surprise would have been everything!
The fire starts between the Red Guards and the Musketeers. D'Artagnan fights with Gaudet.
Gaudet: What's your problem boy?
D'Artagnan: You will pay for murdering my father.
The two men fight for a moment. Gaudet tries to run away, while some other Red Guards interfere between him and d'Artagnan. D'Artagnan gets rid of them but suddenly comes face to face with another Red Guard, who points a gun at him. D'Artagnan stares at him. But the man is shot on the back and falls dead. Constance, shocked, stands still with her gun pointing at the dead man; she killed him. D'Artagnan nods at her with recognition. He runs after Gaudet and keeps on fighting. Porthos and Aramis also keep on fighting, with their swords or their hands. Aramis, finally gets rid of his enemies. He has a look around.
Seeing d'Artagnan about to kill Gaudet, he runs towards him.
Aramis: D'Artagnan ! We need him alive.
D'Artagnan: Death in combat is too honorable for you. I'd rather see you hang.
Porthos also arrives close to the two men. D'Artagnan throws one of his swords on the floor and steps back. Gaudet, still lying on the floor, suddenly takes out a dagger from his boot. He gets up and runs towards d'Artagnan who can't see him.
Porthos: D'Artagnan !
D'Artagnan quickly turns back and avoid the dagger by killing Gaudet, his sword on his chest. Aramis and d'Artagnan exchange a look. Porthos, a bit further, searches for evidences. He finds something in a carriage.
Porthos, whistling at his friends: The stolen uniforms. They're all here.
Aramis: With Dujon's confession, that's all the proof we need.
Constance walks aimlessly the gun still in her hand. She stares at the man she killed. D'Artagnan goes to her, and puts a coat on her shoulders.
Constance: I killed him.
D'Artagnan, touching her cheek: You saved my life.
Constance, putting back his hand: Take me home. My husband will be back soon.
They both leave, Constance being supported by d'Artagnan.
In jail, Athos is brought against a wall, where is about to be executed. From an upper window, Milady looks at the scene with a smile of satisfaction.
The Guard : Take aim !
All the guards point their gun at Athos, who looks at them blankly. He closes his eyes and wait, shaking.
Athos, shouting angrily: Come on and shoot damn you !!
Aramis: Hold your fire !
Aramis, Treville, Porthos and d'Artagnan suddenly enter the courtyard.
Aramis: If I were you, I wouldn't be in such a hurry to die. Your release. Signed by the King.
The men raise their guns. Athos feels eased.
Aramis: Get these chains off him.
Athos: I thought I'd finally shaken you two off.
The three men laugh.
Porthos: Believe, there are easier ways.
Athos leaves the wall and gets to the stairs, where d'Artagnan is waiting. They exchange a look before Athos goes upstairs. From a window, Milady shows a sign of anger.
A carriage rides in the snow-covered forest. The Cardinal and Adele are inside.
Adele: Where are we going? Is it a surprise?
The Cardinal: I would imagine so.
The carriage suddenly stops in the middle of nowhere. Two Red Guards help Adele to get out of the carriage, while the Cardinal stays inside.
Adele: What's this?
The Cardinal: Your surprise, my love.
One of the Red Guards takes out a pistol.
Adele: My God ! You're going to kill me !
The Cardinal: You're a traitor and a spy. I can't trust you.
Adele: Have you no mercy?!
The Cardinal: Mercy belongs to God.
Adele, being forced to go away from the carriage: You pious hypocrite ! You'll burn in hell!
The Cardinal: I have work to do here first.
Adele: I love Aramis and I love him with my last breath!
The Red Guard forces her to kneel. She screams.
Adele: I love Aramis ! I love Aramis ! I love Aramis !
We hear a shot. The Cardinal stares at the scene, and they leave.
At the tavern, Aramis is having a drink with Porthos and d'Artagnan. Athos remains at another table.
Aramis: You come to Paris to kill Athos and end up saving his life. After a few drinks, I'm sure he'll appreciate the irony.
D'Artagnan: What's wrong with him, anyway?
Porthos: Oh, woman trouble.
Aramis: There was someone special once. She died. That's all he ever said.
Porthos: I'd better stay behind. He'll need someone to carry him home.
Aramis, about to leave: Do you need somewhere to stay?
D'Artagnan: No, I have a place.
Aramis: In the arms of Madame Bonacieux?
D'Artagnan: She's a married woman.
Aramis and Porthos exchange a look and laugh.
Aramis: You really are from Gascony, aren't you?
D'Artagnan: Beside, there's someone else. A woman I've only met once. The most beautiful I've ever seen. We have unfinished business.
Porthos: She sounds lively.
D'Artagnan: You have no idea.
Aramis leaves the tavern, and passes by Athos.
Aramis: Athos …
Porthos, looking at d'Artagnan: Game of cards? First King wins.
In a jail, the Cardinal visits to Dujon.
The Cardinal: I'm grateful for your loyalty, Dujon. I thought you might talk, if only to save your own skin.
Dujon: Still could. Unless you're here to save me.
The Cardinal looks at him, brandishing two glasses.
The Cardinal: A drink to your freedom. The formalities are being arranged, as we speak.
Dujon: And to think… if I told them it was you who gave Gaudet his orders, it would be you in here instead of me.
The Cardinal: Everything I do, I do for the good of France.
Dujon: And I am your man… forever.
The Cardinal: Long live the King!
Dujon: The King!
Dujon takes a sip. He suddenly falls on the floor, unanimated.
In the street, Aramis knocks at a door.
Aramis: I have an appointment with Mademoiselle Bessette.
The housekeeper: She's gone to the Cardinal's estate in the country. She won't be returning for some time. She wanted you to have this.
She holds something wrapped in a blanket, and closes the door. Aramis opens the package and find his own gun.
Aramis, shouting at the windows: Adele ! Adele !
In a chapel, Milady enters the confessional.
Milady: Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned… often. I lay with many men. I killed some of them. In the world's eyes I've done terrible, unforgivable things. But I once loved a man… And he loved me.
As she's speaking, we see Athos watching at a cross hang around his neck. Athos closes his eyes.
FLASHBACK.
Athos, walks towards Milady who is waiting for him under a tree. He offers her a forget-me-not.
PRESENT.
Milady: Why did God abandon me? Why didn't he answer my prayers? Can you tell me that?
The Priest: You are a child of the devil. You are an abomination!
Milady seizes him by the collar, with anger.
Milady: I know what I am! You don't understand. I'm not looking for absolution! I want revenge !
She leaves the church in a hurry.
END OF THE EPISODE