Script episode 1.02 - Sleight of Hand
In the snow-covered forest. D'Artagnan is between two rows of trees, facing another man. They both have their sword out. Porthos, Athos and Aramis are on d'Artagnan's side.
Aramis, to d'Artagnan: What's the vital thing to remember in a duel?
D'Artagnan: Honour?
Porthos hits him at the back of his head.
Porthos: Not getting killed, right? Biting, kicking, gouging - it's all good.
D'Artagnan: I was raised to fight like a gentleman.
Aramis: Were you raised to die young?
Athos, coming in front of d'Artagnan: You don't have to do this. It's Musketeer's business.
D'Artagnan: I can handle it.
D'Artagnan gives him his glove. Athos walks towards the middle of the two fighters, and shakes the glove as a signal. The opponent runs towards d'Artagnan. They both fight for a while. D'Artagnan, on the floor, strongly kicks the fighter between his legs.
Porthos, proudly to Aramis: I taught him that move.
The two men keep on fighting. D'Artagnan gets the advantage and the opponent loses his weapon. Suddenly, Red Guards arrive at full speed.
The leader: Lay down you weapons!
Aramis: Red Guards. Red Guards.
The Three Musketeers run away on one side, d'Artagnan on the other. The Red Guards hunts him down, under the Musketeers' eyes.
Porthos: Nothing more we can do for him. No point all of us getting arrested.
Aramis: He knows the Musketeer motto… "Every man for himself!".
They run away. D'Artagnan finally gets caught by the Red Guards. They surround him.
The leader: You're under arrest for illegal dueling.
The man kicks d'Artagnan who falls on the floor, unconscious.
----- GENERIQUE -----
D'Artagnan is brought to jail. He's thrown in a jail with another man.
The Guard, to the other man: Hey Vadim ! Company for you.
D'Artagnan and the so-called Vadim exchange a look.
At the Garrison, all the Musketeers are gathered in the courtyard. Athos, Porthos and Aramis stand at the front.
Treville, shouting: You knew the penalty for dueling, but let d'Artagnan go ahead, regardless !
Aramis: I don't like this. I've never been unpopular before.
(Treville, hardly heard: Did any of you think at all ?!)
Porthos: Try trading places with me.
Aramis: But you're used to it. I'm more the romantic hero type.
Treville, close to Aramis's face: D'Artagnan is in prison because of you. Alone … friendless … condemned…
He walks in front of the three Musketeers and stops by Athos.
Treville: I hope you're very proud. Dismissed !
He goes to his office. All the Musketeers go back to their tasks.
The three Musketeers are in Treville's office.
Treville: D'Artagnan was taken to the Chatelet at ten this morning. He's awaiting execution at His Majesty's pleasure. Congratulations. You had me convinced and I knew the whole thing was a charade.
Aramis: We certainly fooled the rest of the man. They hate us.
Porthos: They think we betrayed a friend. It makes me sick.
Treville: Provoking a duel was a brilliant idea. The world had to believe d'Artagnan's arrest was genuine.
Athos: I still think one of us should have done it.
Treville: Vadim would never trust a King's Musketeer. He had to be someone he didn't know.
Athos: He's a Gascony farm boy - promising, but raw. There's too much at stake.
Treville: Well, he has to prove himself sometime, so why not now?
Porthos: Well, I think he can do it. And I'm a pretty good judge of character.
Aramis, laughing frankly: You're a terrible judge of character, especially when you're sober.
Treville: Vadim stole enough gunpowder to start a small war. Where is it? What was he planning? Where are his men? If d'Artagnan can bring us the answers, then his life is worth the risk. Tomorrow is good Friday. The Queen pardons a few deserving prisoners at this time every year. I've put you all on her guard detail. You can check on him, then.
In the prison, d'Artagnan sits on the floor and waits. We can hear screams from another cell. Vadim, in the same cell, plays with a coin in his hand. He makes it disappear.
D'Artagnan: How did you do that?
Vadim: The secret to a good trick? Make people look the wrong way.
He shows his other hand holding the coin. The cell door opens. The guard brings food to the prisoners.
D'Artagnan, seizing a dead mouse from his plate: Er… What's this?
The prison guard: Mutton stew.
D'Artagnan: Mutton is the one that goes "baaa" and has wool on it.
The prison guard kicks at his plate, which flies through the cell. He flogs d'Artagnan.
The prison guard: You can starve, for all I care, Musketeer !
D'Artagnan, to Vadim: I'm no Musketeer. They betrayed me and I hate them for it.
Vadim, without a word, moves back in the shadows.
At the Garrison, the Bonacieux's arrive with different tissues. Treville receives them. He bows at Constance.
Bonacieux: Captain Treville ! The material for your new cape. A beautiful piece of cloth.
Bonacieux, climbing the stairs behind Treville: I was not surprised to hear of d'Artagnan's arrest. Always struck me as the criminal type.
Treville: Is that so?
Bonacieux: Yes, I hope they hang him. Even though I myself will suffer for it. He still owes me a month's rent.
Treville, entering his office: Your self-sacrifice in the name of justice does you credit, Monsieur.
Bonacieux seems to hesitate, but finally nods hearing the compliment. He is about to enter the office too, but Treville slams the door.
Downstairs, Constance is waiting for her husband.
Aramis, greeting Constance: A beautiful morning Madame Bonacieux.
Constance: I doubt if it looks so good from inside the Chatelet prison.
Athos and Porthos join them.
Athos: You heard about d'Artagnan.
Porthos: You know these stories can be greatly exaggerated.
Constance: Really? I was told you led him into danger and then abandoned him.
Porthos: That one's about right.
Constance: He's your friend. What are you going to do about it?
Aramis, getting closer: We've been getting along well, but I wouldn't say friends, exactly.
Constance, slapping him: He trusted you !
Bonacieux suddenly runs down the stairs.
Bonacieux, seizing Constance's arm: My most humble apologies, sir! I can't think what came over her.
Aramis: Your wife's actions were fully justified. It is I who should apologies.
Bonacieux grasps his wife and they both leave.
Aramis, touching his cheek: God ! I love that in a woman.
Porthos: What? Passion?
Aramis: Violence.
He laughs.
At the prison, Vadim and d'Artagnan are having a talk. Vadim plays with his coin.
D'Artagnan: So, how did they catch you?
Vadim: I was visiting my mistress. Let's just say I was surprised in a delicate situation.
D'Artagnan: Did she betray you?
Vadim: I left someone I trusted keeping watch. He fell asleep.
D'Artagnan: Then you and I have something in common. We've both been let down. And we're both going to hang.
Vadim, letting his coin falls on the floor: Not me. I'm going to walk out of here in broad daylight. And not a soul will lift a finger to stop me.
He picks up the coin on the floor, but has what appears to be a fit. D'Artagnan calls for help.
At the same time, the Queen, Treville and the Musketeers enter the prison. They meet the jailer.
The jailer: Good morning Your Majesty. A few fortunate souls will be granted their freedom today.
The Queen: I wish I could pardon all you prisoners.
Treville: You Majesty should not waste sympathy on those who do not deserve it.
The Queen: All men need hope, Captain. Without it, why should they lead a decent life?
Some prisoners enter the courtyard, and stand in front of the Queen.
The Queen: They look half-dead, poor things.
Inside the cell. Vadim is still on the floor, half unconscious. A jailer approaches.
D'Artagnan: Quick ! Jailer !
The jailer: What's wrong with him?
D'Artagnan: Can't you see is having a fit?
The jailer: He's faking.
He opens the cell, and uses a stick to push away d'Artagnan. He comes closer to Vadim and pushes him on his back with his foot. A coin is on the floor. The jailer leans forward to grab it. He stands up again, the coin in his hand, laughing. He steps back to the door without paying attention to Vadim. Hearing a noise from his back, he stops at the door.
Vadim, from behind: Of course I was faking. (Showing the keys) Looking for these?
Vadim punches the jailer, who falls unconscious on the floor.
Outside, the Queen gives money to the prisoners.
The Queen: In his great mercy, and in the name of God, the King has granted you clemency.
Inside, Vadim drags the jailer in the cell.
D'Artagnan: You still have to get past the guards.
Vadim hurries outside the cell, and closes it leaving d'Artagnan inside.
D'Artagnan: Take me with you, Vadim. Don't leave me here. I can help you.
Vadim changes his mind and hurries inside to help d'Artagnan to get out. They run towards the door, but the prisoners from the other cells call for him.
One of the prisoners: Vadim! Don't leave us here!
Vadim hesitates. He throws the keys to d'Artagnan.
Vadim: Let them out.
Outside.
The Queen: I hope this small gift will help you in your new lives.
Treville looks back at Athos, and nods at him.
Athos, to Porthos: I'm going to check on d'Artagnan.
The Queen: Did you see the gratitude on their faces, Captain? Mercy is more effective than any whip or gallows.
Treville: The worst offenders would only consider Your Majesty's gentle nature a weakness. Some men are just born bad.
Inside the prison, the prisoners, including d'Artagnan, run outside, fighting with some jailers on the way. Athos is about to get inside, but realizes they try to escape. In the chaos, he catches sight of d'Artagnan who is with Vadim.
Vadim, seizing his arm: This way.
Athos steps back and gets his pistol out.
Athos, shouting: Prisoners escaping !
A fight starts. Treville gets closer to the Queen.
Treville: Protect the Queen !
Some prisoners: This way !
Aramis, seizing the pistol of a soldier: Don't shoot ! There's a Musketeer in there.
Athos: Vadim has escape.
While everyone is fighting outside, Vadim and d'Artagnan still wander inside the prison. A door opens in the corridor.
D'Artagnan, pushing Vadim against the wall: Get back.
A soldier enters but passes, without noticing. They come outside.
In the courtyard, Treville gives order to the soldiers who hold the prisoners back with difficulty.
Treville: Hold the line ! Close the door ! Get the Queen out !
The Queen steps closer to the door. A prisoner opens a breach in the line of soldiers. Treville leaves the Queen to shoot him. Vadim waits for the perfect moment, and takes her as an hostage.
Vadim : Oi! Oi! Stop … or your Queen dies.
Treville: Hold your fire !
Everyone stops and stares at Vadim. Aramis and d'Artagnan, just behind Vadim, exchange a look.
Vadim: Back ! Back ! Open the gate. Open the gate !
Treville and d'Artagnan exchange a quick glance. D'Artagnan nods at him.
Treville, to the leader jailor: Do as he says.
The leader jailor, with anger: Do it! Open the gates!
A soldier runs towards the door and opens it. Many men carrying weapons enter the courtyard from outside, threatening the soldiers.
Felix: Vadim !
Vadim, to d'Artagnan: You see, I told you they'd let me walk out of here.
D'Artagnan: Hurt the Queen and we're all dead. You don't need her any more. Let's go. Come on!
Vadim: Your Majesty, my apologies. I hope that apart from this, you've enjoyed your trip.
Vadim kisses the Queen and releases her. The chaos starts again.
Treville: Shoot them ! Don't let them escape ! Weapons down !
The Queen, totally frightened, stumbles in the middle of the battle. Aramis runs towards her to protect her and they both lie flat on the ground. D'Artagnan keeps on fighting.
Vadim, from his horse: Boy !
D'Artagnan takes a horse too. The bandits leave under Treville and Athos's eyes.
Treville: What in the name of God is he doing?
Athos, with anger: Do you still think d'Artagnan was the right man for the job?
Aramis and the Queen are still lying on the floor.
Aramis: Don't worry. It's fine. Look at me, look at me. It's over. I've got you.
The Queen, out of breath: So you have.
Aramis: My apologies, Your Majesty.
They stand up. Aramis is slightly wounded below his ear.
The Queen: You're hurt.
She touches his cheek, as if to check the wound. He gently pushes her hand away, before they exchange a look full of meaning.
At the Cardinal's office. Treville and Athos discuss with the Cardinal.
The Cardinal: My God, what is Vadim planning? War? Rebellion? I must know. Keep me informed of developments.
Athos and Treville leave without a word. The Cardinal adds something while they're walking back to the door.
The Cardinal: My men have orders to shoot Vadim on sight. If d'Artagnan is with him, he, too, is in grave danger. His life is his own hands now.
Athos opens the door, looks at him and leaves. The Cardinal remains alone. Another door opens, and Milady gets in.
The Cardinal: You heard all that?
Milady: Of course. D'Artagnan's death would be a waste.
The Cardinal: I'm not here to indulge your romantic whims.
Milady: Romance has nothing to do with it. I laid a perfect trap for him. He should be dead, he isn't. That makes him unique. I can do something with a man like that.
The Cardinal: Why should he still trust you?
Milady: Because he's already half in love with me.
The Cardinal, smiling: You left him with a bloody dagger in his hand, facing the noose. What kind of idiot would overlook that?
Milady, with a honeyed voice: "Forgive me, d'Artagnan. The man was a beast, I stabbed him in self-defense and then I panicked. I never meant you to take the blame. I was in torment when I heard. You, who were so good to me, so loving, so kind. Let me make amends in any way you desire."
She steps away from the Cardinal with a smile. He stunned.
Milady: Five year in your service and you still doubt me?
The Cardinal: D'Artagnan's fate is a matter of indifference to me. Your task is to find Vadim.
Milady picks some forget-me-not left on the Cardinal's desk.
The Cardinal: Are those flowers for me?
Milady, leaving the room: No.
In a cell, Vadim and d'Artagnan still carry their chains. Felix helps Vadim to get rid of his.
Vadim: My friend Felix thinks I was wrong to bring you here. He doesn't like Musketeers.
D'Artagnan: I told you. I'm not a Musketeer. I'm a wanted man on the run. What else have I got?
Vadim: Let me suggest another possibility.
Vadim comes closer and gets ready to take d'Artagnan's chains off. Suddenly, he takes his hand and threatens him with his nail and hammer, while Felix seizes d'Artagnan by his back.
Vadim: We're going to play a little game… to find out the truth. I'm going to hack your fingers off, one at a time, until you admit being a spy.
D'Artagnan: And what if I'm not?
Vadim: Then you'll be counting on your toes. But you'll be alive.
Felix: Come on Vadim, cut him.
Both men exchange an intense look. Vadim raises his hammer, but hit the chains instead of his hand.
Vadim: We can trust him. I know a man's character by looking into his eyes. I'm never wrong. He's good.
Felix: You're making a mistake.
Vadim, to d'Artagnan: Take no notice of our Felix. There's more brains in a fish. Welcome to our glorious enterprise ! We're going to build a new France.
D'Artagnan, standing up: How?
Vadim: We kill the King and Queen. The poor and the dispossessed will rise up and join us taking back what belong to them.
Felix: We'll be heroes.
At Louvre, Porthos and Aramis are waiting in a hall.
Porthos: The way I look at it, you saved her life, so she's probably grateful.
Aramis: But we did put her in danger in the first place, so… she might want to see us whipped.
Porthos: I hadn't thought of that. Oh, you've upset me now. I …
The door opens, and the Queen enters the room. Both Musketeers bow to her.
The Queen: Monsieur Aramis! Bravest of all the King's Musketeers.
Aramis: Only amongst the bravest, Your Majesty.
The Queen: Perhaps you friend would grant us a moment's privacy?
Porthos raises his head, looks at Aramis, and smiles to the Queen before he goes away.
The Queen, getting closer: Does it hurt?
Aramis: Oh, not at all. Well, perhaps it is a… a little sore.
The Queen touches his cheek. Porthos has a look, and clearly seems to disapprove.
The Queen: Poor gallant Aramis. Accept this gift, as a token of your Queen's gratitude.
She gives him her necklace. Porthos, standing further, sees the scene disapproving.
The Queen: May it keep you safe … always.
Aramis smiles to the Queen before she leaves. Aramis holds the necklace in his hand, while Porthos comes back to him.
Porthos: You know you were giving her the stare?
Aramis: What stare? She's a very attractive woman.
Porthos: She's not a woman. She's the Queen. Or have you forgotten about Adele Bessette already?
They walk out the room.
Aramis: Adele chose the Cardinal over me. She left Paris.
Porthos: Fine. But please, set you sights a little lower for all our sakes.
The night, at Vadim's. The three men seem asleep. Suddenly, Vadim stands up, seizes a weapon and leaves the room quietly. D'Artagnan wakes up too and follows him. They are both walking in the street. Vadim arrives at a place, where a woman seems to wait for him at the door.
Vadim: Suzette !
The woman laughs, and they both enter the house. D'Artagnan waits outside, hidden by a carriage. He stops a man walking by the house.
D'Artagnan: This house, do you know who lives here?
The man, with a smile: Suzette Pinault. Everybody knows Suzette around here !
He taps his shoulder laughing. D'Artagnan is about to keep on walking when a man suddenly seizes him from the back.
Felix: You've got five seconds to explain what you're doing before I blow your brains into the next street.
D'Artagnan: I was visiting my mistress.
Felix: Prove it.
The two arrive close to a courtyard, where Constance deals with her laundry. The two men stands by a tree, watching her.
D'Artagnan: That's her.
Felix: How do I even know you've met her? Huh?
D'Artagnan nods at him and runs towards Constance. He seizes her and kisses her by surprise.
D'Artagnan, putting his finger on his lips: Shhh. We're being watched. For God's sake, kiss me back, and make it look good.
He kisses her again, under Felix's eyes.
Constance: You're a wanted man. The Guards are everywhere.
D'Artagnan: Whatever you've hear about me, don't believe it.
Another woman, dealing with her laundry passes by them. She looks at Constance and hurries away, with a shocked look on her face.
Constance: You make a habit of this.
D'Artagnan: Believe me, I wouldn't unless I had to.
Constance: That's flattering ! (Hitting him slightly) And no tongues !
D'Artagnan, whispering to her ear: Go to Athos. Tell him to get here, as soon as possible.
Constance: Come inside. You're not safe on the streets.
D'Artagnan: You are the kindest and best woman on Earth, you know that?
Constance, making a slight smile: Or the most stupid.
Constance hurries inside her house. D'Artagnan goes back to Felix.
D'Artagnan: She's in a good mood. I may be some time.
He walks back towards the house.
Felix: Vadim will hear of this.
D'Artagnan: Tell him.
Inside Constance's house, the Musketeers gather around the fire.
D'Artagnan: Vadim plans to murder the King and Queen. Some fantasy of a peasant rebellion.
Athos: Have you seen the gunpowder? Any weapons?
D'Artagnan shakes his head.
Aramis: What about his men?
D'Artagnan: In hiding.
Athos: When is this plan supposed to take place?
D'Artagnan: Vadim's careful. He doesn't say much.
Porthos: Does he trust you?
D'Artagnan: As much as he does anyone. Felix doesn't, but I can handle him. Vadim once said the secret to a good trick is to make people look the wrong way.
Aramis: What do you think he meant?
D'Artagnan: Honestly? I have no idea.
Athos: You've done enough. We'll take it from here.
D'Artagnan: Pick him up now and the King and Queen are still in danger.
Athos: What do you suggest?
D'Artagnan: I go back in.
Constance comes inside the room, rather angry, with glasses and wine. She gives one to each. D'Artagnan stands up straight and looks at her, apparently annoyed.
Constance: They told me about the duel and your imprisonment that it was all faked.
Aramis: Rather well, you have to admit.
Constance, obviously upset, slaps him in the face. Porthos laughs frankly, but stops when Constance turns back to him.
Aramis: What for this time?
Constance: Letting me think the worst. (To d'Artagnan) First I thought you were a condemned man, then a fugitive and now … this ! How many ways can a man think of to get himself killed?
She leaves the room under d'Artagnan's sad look.
Aramis, seizing the bottle to pour to D'Artagnan: I think she likes you.
Athos: It's too dangerous.
D'Artagnan: I can do this. Trust me.
Athos looks at Aramis, then Porthos. He taps him on his arm, apparently agreeing.
D'Artagnan: This evening, Vadim visited a woman called Suzette Pinault. You'll find her in the Rue Lagrange. She's his mistress. He leaves the room.
Athos: Tell me we've made the right decision.
Aramis: Absolutely.
Porthos: Definitely.
Athos: Well … What could possibly go wrong?
Constance gets out of the house followed by d'Artagnan.
Constance: If you've heard of anyone wanting a room, I'd be glad to know. My husband need the money. It's not easy to find decent lodgers. Every time one of them gets themselves killed in a duel, or thrown in the Chatelet or murdered in some intrigue or other it's a tremendous inconvenience. Of course, it's less cooking and cleaning. In fact, I wish my lodgers would dire more often, so I could have an easier life.
D'Artagnan gets closer to her. He gently seizes her hand, and kisses her.
A voice, from behind: You!
Bonacieux suddenly appears in the courtyard.
Bonacieux: How dare you show your face here again! (Shouting) Guards ! Guards !
Constance, placing herself in between the two men: This isn't what it seems.
Bonacieux: Stand aside. He's a fugitive from justice.
Constance doesn't move.
Bonacieux: I order you to move!
Constance: Order away. I'm staying here, until you stop shouting and listen.
The three Musketeers get out of the house.
Athos: Step back, please, Monsieur.
Bonacieux: This man is a wanted criminal.
Athos: I said, step back.
Aramis, putting his pistol on his shoulder: I suggest you do as he says.
Bonacieux: Is this a threat?
Porthos, coming closer: Not yet.
Aramis: Good decision.
D'Artagnan, whispering in Constance's ear: Once again, I'm in your debt.
Athos: Good evening.
They all leave, d'Artagnan running on one side, the others on the other side.
D'Artagnan walks in the street.
A soldier: Hey, you ! D'Artagnan !
D'Artagnan starts to run. He arrives at a dead-end. He desperately tries to open a door, in vain. Two soldiers arrive, pulling out their weapons.
Soldier: Surrender or die!
In their back, a shadow appears. Milady stabs the first soldier and shots the second.
D'Artagnan: You! Who are you?
Milady, getting closer: Your guardian angel. Now, where is Vadim? I have a powerful patron. He can grant you all the riches and power you desire… if you take me to Vadim.
D'Artagnan: You betrayed me. You set me up.
Milady, getting even closer and pushing him slightly against the wall: Now I saved your life. It wasn't only murder that made our night together memorable.
They kiss each other.
Milady: You're at the crossroads, D'Artagnan. Don't take the wrong path. Choose the Musketeers and you choose oblivion.
Athos, from far away: D'Artagnan!
D'Artagnan steps forward. She seizes him, threatening him with her knife at his throat.
Milady, whispering: Another time.
She disappears. The three Musketeers arrive and look at the scene.
Athos: Go! We'll deal with this.
Aramis: Porthos, follow D'Artagnan. Watch his back.
D'Artagnan goes back at Vadim's. Porthos, following him, stops hidden by a wall. He remains there, watching Vadim's place.
Felix, threatening d'Artagnan with a knife: We can't trust him, Vadim. He's a spy and a traitor.
Vadim: You fell asleep, when you were meant to be watching my back. So no-one's perfect.
Felix remains quiet.
Vadim: This woman… She's important to you?
D'Artagnan: Yes, she is. I had to see her again. It could be the last time.
Vadim: You said nothing?
D'Artagnan: Vadim, I was careful. No-one saw me.
Vadim: I understand love, D'Artagnan, believe me. But… next time you want a conjugal visit, you ask. You understand? Now get some sleep. You'll need it.
Vadim and Felix leave the room. The man looks at d'Artagnan with a provocative look. D'Artagnan look at them leaving and sighs.
Morning, in the street. Athos and Aramis get at Suzette's place. The woman is on her bed, facing the two men.
Suzette: I've never been this close to a Musketeer with my clothes on before. I must be in trouble.
Athos: We know you've seen Vadim, Suzette. You have a choice. You can go to the gallows with him…
Aramis: Or you can save yourself.
Suzette: I'm not denying anything. I saw him.
Athos: Why didn't you report it?
Suzette: because I don't want to get involved with the Guards. Besides, we used to be quite close.
Athos: You were lovers?
Suzette: Ooh, you're a sharp one.
Athos gives a faint smile.
Athos: What did he want?
Suzette: He said was to going away. He wanted me to go with him. I said no.
While they're talking, Aramis is visiting the room.
Suzette, to Aramis: Has anyone ever told you you've got lovely eyes?
Aramis: The Captain mentioned it only this morning.
Suzette laughs.
Athos: If you don't tell us the truth, we could have you whipped.
Suzette, provocative: It's usually the other way round, but if the money's right…
Aramis: Where did you first meet Vadim?
Suzette: At the Louvre Palace. I was a scullery maid, he was a servant.
Aramis: Vadim worked at the palace?
Suzette: For two years. That's where he became obsessed with the King. He really hated him.
Athos and Aramis exchange a look.
Aramis: Tell us about that.
Suzette: He said King Louis had broken his promises to the people. Talked about it all the time.
Athos: Did he say he wanted to kill him?
Suzette, thinking: I don't remember. Maybe.
Aramis sits close to Suzanne.
Aramis: Vadim stole enough gunpowder to wipe out dozens of innocent lives. Is that what you want?
Suzette: He came to see me, I sent him away. I don't know where he is, or what he's doing. That's all.
The two men exchange a look. Aramis stands up.
Suzette: Look, if I knew any more, I'd tell you. Well, I don't want to hang.
Athos: Very well. I believe you.
They both start to leave the room.
Suzette, to Aramis: Any time you want your sword polished, handsome, just let me know.
Aramis, to Athos: She's covering for him.
Athos: Don't let her out of your sight.
At the Cardinal's office, Athos and Treville face the Cardinal.
The Cardinal: The King must be informed. Vadim has both the intelligence and the means to launch a serious attempt on his life. And all over some mad attempt at rebellion?
Athos: According to d'Artagnan.
Treville: Did you know Vadim worked at the palace?
The Cardinal: Of course not. You'd better speak to Lavoie about that.
Athos: Lavoie?
The Cardinal: First Gentleman of the Bedchamber. More regal than the King himself.
The Cardinal, close to the window, looks at Paris's streets.
The Cardinal: If I was planning the kill the King… how would I do it?
Treville: Notre-Dame. The royal family show themselves to the people after Easter Mass. It's tradition.
The Cardinal: Not any more.
At the palace, the three men stand before the King and the Queen.
The King: Gunpowder? Muskets? Good God!
Athos: The threat to Your Majesty's life is real and immediate.
The Cardinal: It would be madness to attend the Easter Mass.
Treville: Decoys will go in Your Majesty's place. We will lure Vadim from hiding with a false target.
The King: You're going to let the attempt go ahead?
Athos: We'll catch the conspirators in the act of sedition, hopefully, without a shot being fired.
The Queen: The people know their King and Queen too well. It seems to me, Captain, your plan must fail without the King's authentic presence. Your men protected me once. I am sure they will do so again. The King and I should attend Mass as planned.
Silence.
The King: My father never shirked public obligation. No matter what the threat to his person.
The Cardinal: Your father was assassinated. It's simply a matter of common sense to stay away.
The King: Common sense is for common-ers, not for Kings. I will not having it said that the son of Henri IV is a coward. It is my task to show courage and leadership. (Addressing the Musketeers) It's yours to protect me.
The King and the Queen leave the room. The three men bow.
The Cardinal : Perhaps I misjudged that.
Treville, angry: Perhaps you did.
The two Musketeers leave the room.
At the palace, Athos and the Musketeers walk along with Lavoie.
Treville: We appreciate you're a busy man Monsieur Lavoie.
Lavoie: As it happens, I do remember Vadim. Gutter-born, but his intelligence and pleasant looks caught my eye. I thought perhaps, with my patronage, he might make something of himself.
Athos: What were his duties?
Lavoie: Menial tasks in the kitchens.
Athos: Did he ever come into contact with the King?
Lavoie: A grease-stained servant? I should say not. Only the most favoured members of the nobility are granted the exquisite honour of gazing on the Royal countenance. I am pleased to include myself in that number.
Treville: How did Vadim respond to your, erm … patronage?
Lavoie: With base ingratitude. There was an incident. A priceless item of the Queen's jewellery went missing. Vadim was near the scene.
Athos: What was he doing the Queen's apartments?
Silence.
Lavoie: I showed him round. As part of his education, you understand.
Athos: And … what was this missing item?
Lavoie: A diamond pendant.
Athos: Why wasn't Vadim arrested?
Lavoie: One moment he was in the hall outside, the next he'd disappeared, like some Arabian genie.
Athos: Can you show me where this took place? It might help us to understand Vadim.
The men arrive in the cellar. They reach a door watched by two guards. Lavoie opens the door.
Lavoie: The royal vault ! The value is beyond calculation.
Athos goes around the place, looking at the jewels. He stops by an empty cushion.
Lavoie: The stolen pendant. That empty space is like a dagger in my heart.
At Vadim's, d'Artagnan and Vadim are talking around a table, looking at a map.
Vadim: We strike tomorrow at 11, as the clock chimes. Three men in the crowd with bombs, four more standing by, should they fail. The King and Queen will be dead before a quarter past.
D'Artagnan: And me? What do I do?
Vadim: I have a very special destiny for you, my friend.
He puts his hand on d'Artagnan's shoulder.
Vadim: This time tomorrow my name will live for ever. Yours too, should you play your part.
They shake hands. D'Artagnan smiles at him.
Vadim: Take the map. You might need it. And buy wine. We should celebrate. Go !
He gives d'Artagnan the map and a coin. D'Artagnan stands up and leaves the room.
D'Artagnan gets out, and whistles. He passes close to Porthos still hidden. D'Artagnan drops the map at Porthos' feet.
D'Artagnan: Get this to Treville.
Porthos looks around and picks up the map with precaution. He keeps on looking at Vadim's house; another group of men get inside. We hear a thunder.
Under the rain, Suzanne crosses the street and also gets inside Vadim's, followed by Aramis. The Musketeer remains alongside the wall.
Suddenly, a gun appears close to his ear.
Aramis: Careful. Even you couldn't miss from here.
Aramis comes closer, laughing and raising his pistol.
Porthos: What are you doing here?
Aramis: You saw Suzette arrive?
Porthos: Hmm. Vadim's men, too. I counted six and at least one more inside. D'Artagnan gave me this.
He gives the map to Aramis.
Porthos: Vadim's plan.
Aramis: We should strike now.
Porthos: Hmm. I'll get the others.
Porthos leaves.
Inside Vadim's, the people, gathered, listen to Vadim.
Vadim: In a few hours time, the King will be dead !
They all shout, and raise their fits.
Vadim: Every man here, I trust, like a brother. All except one.
He starts walking around, scrutinizing everyone's face.
Vadim: We have a traitor in our midst.
He stops by Felix.
Felix: It's not me, Vadim. I would lay down my life for you.
Suzette: He knows that, Felix. You're not the one.
Vadim raises his pistol towards d'Artagnan.
Vadim: On your knees …
D'Artagnan: You're wrong.
Vadim: … Musketeer !
Suzette: No-one outwits Vadim !
D'Artagnan kneels. Instead of shooting, Vadim hits him hard and he falls, unconscious.
Outside, still in the rain, the Musketeers wait. Treville silently gives order for the attack.
Treville, to one the of the Musketeers: After, you.
The men destroy the door and get inside. But the room in now empty.
Porthos: No ! I swear they were all in here.
Athos: There's a back door.
He kneels on the floor, and touches a dark stain with his fingers.
Athos: Blood.
Aramis: D'Artagnan.
Treville: Perhaps. He chose to take the rick. There's nothing we could have done.
Athos: We could have stopped him.
Treville: At least he left us this. Our job now is to protect the King. When that's done, we can worry about d'Artagnan.
Everyone leaves. After a while, a trapdoor opens on the floor. Felix appears.
Felix, getting down again: They're gone.
Vadim, giving him a bomb: Take it. Use it well, brother. Tomorrow is your day.
Vadim seizes a candle and looks at d'Artagnan, still unconscious. He blows the candle off.
The day after, the King and Queen walk among the very cheerful crowd. The Musketeers and the Cardinal escort them. They all seem rather anxious.
Somewhere else, in a cellar, d'Artagnan wakes up. He quickly realizes that he is tied up to many barrels full of powder. Vadim finishes to prepare his trap.
Vadim: I was hoping you'd wake. I wouldn't want you to miss the high point of our brief acquaintance.
D'Artagnan: Where are we?
Vadim: In the tunnels, under the Louvre. They run from the palace to the city wall. Built by one of our King's forebears, as an escape route bricked up in the time of Henri IV. I discovered them whilst working in the palace kitchens. You can almost feel the heat of the bread ovens. You see D'Artagnan, servants are like rats. They'll find all manner of secret exits and entrances. In exactly 15 minutes, that candle will burn down and light the fuse that will explode the powder stored in those barrels.
D'Artagnan: Blowing me to pieces.
Vadim: Well, certainly, but that's not the main purpose of the exercise.
D'Artagnan: You know, it doesn't matter what you do to me, Vadim. You've failed. I told the Musketeers everything.
Vadim: You told them exactly what I wanted you to tell them. I explained the trick to you D'Artagnan. You should have paid more attention.
D'Artagnan then realizes. He seems angry and stunned.
Vadim, taking his bag: 14 minutes. Tick, tock, tick, tock.
He leaves, laughing.
Outside, the King and Queen keep on walking among the crowd. Felix, also in the crowd tries to reach them. D'Artagnan tries to get off his ties. He realizes that one of his hand is not well-tied, and he starts to rub the rope.
Still in the crowd, Felix addresses his colleague.
Felix: Go ! Go ! Go ! Death to the tyrant !
The King alerted by his screams starts to panic.
Aramis: Over there, in the crowd !
The King and Queen are immediately protected, while Aramis gets out his pistol and steps towards Felix.
Treville: Move ! Protect the King ! Kill them all ! Protect the King !
Aramis fires. The people is panic-stricken.
Porthos: Down, down, down ! Watch out !
He throws his knife, which kills one of the assailants. Felix, comes closer to the King and Queen. Aramis pulls out another pistol. He is about to shoot, when Felix seizes a woman as an hostage.
Aramis: Let her go !
Treville, shouting: Take the shot ! Take it ! Shoot him !
Aramis shoots but suddenly, Felix throws a bomb on the floor.
Aramis: Bomb ! Bomb ! Clear the area !
Athos, still with the Queen quickly steps back. Aramis, in an act of bravery, throws himself on the floor in an attempt to light off the bomb.
Athos: No ! Aramis no !
Aramis succeeds. Nothing happens.
Treville: Move, move, move ! Go, go, go, go !
Aramis: All clear ! It's safe !
The Queen, still with Athos, stares at Aramis. They now head on to the carriage, waiting for them. The Queen, turns back to glance at Aramis. He seizes the necklace she offered him and kisses it. She finally gets into the carriage with the Cardinal and the King.
Treville: Surround the carriage. Go ! Go ! Go ! Move now !
The carriage leaves. The Musketeers gather. Aramis picks up a bomb.
Aramis: It's a dud.
Athos: They were never meant to go off. They're all duds!
Felix, still hidden hears everything.
Athos, realizing: He's made us look in the wrong direction.
We can hear an explosion from far away.
Athos: The palace ! He doesn't want to kill the King, he wants to rob him ! It's a distraction ! He's at the palace !
They all start running.
At the palace, Vadim walks outside, throwing bombs every once in a while. D'Artagnan still in his cell, keeps on rubbing the rope. Vadim now reaches the corridor where the two guards keep the jewels. He throws a bomb and the guards die. Vadim enters the room and takes everything. D'Artagnan, completely panic-stricken, finally succeeds in releasing one of his hands. He looks at the candle, which suddenly lights off. He has a quick moment of relief, thinking the whole thing is over. But a minute after, sparkles appear, and a flame starts on running towards him and the barrels full of powder. After a last effort, he manages to release his two hands, and to switch off the sparkles. Relieved, he has a slight laugh.
Outside, the Musketeers arrive at the palace where the panic reigns. Vadim suddenly passes through them.
Athos: There he is !
Vadim starts to run. The Musketeers follow him.
A voice: Shoot him on sight !
D'Artagnan still in the cellar, steps towards the door. After he opens the it, another mechanism starts, lighting other ropes to the powder. D'Artagnan tries to walk on them to light them off. Vadim, still followed by the Musketeers arrives in a dead-end.
Athos: There's nowhere to run!
Aramis: Surrender or die! It's up to you.
Vadim let fall what he was holding. The men threaten him with their pistols.
Athos, getting closer: It's over Vadim.
Vadim: Not quite.
Porthos: Where's d'Artagnan?
Athos: Is he dead?
In the cellar, d'Artagnan still fights to light off the fire, in vain. He starts coughing because of the smoke, and realizing everything is about to explode he runs outside. Vadim, at the same time, slowly puts his fingers in his ears.
Vadim: BANG.
Athos, pushing Porthos against the wall: Get down !
A huge deflagration happens. D'Artagnan is pushed against the floor. Vadim, standing still, checks at the Musketeers. Then, he walks through the big hole which just appeared in the wall.
At Suzette's, the woman is busy doing her luggage. She opens jewellery box, including the Queen's diamond and puts everything in her bag. But in her back Milady appears, a knife in her hand. She quietly comes closer to Suzette and cuts her throat in cold blood. The woman dies.
At the palace, Felix and his friends also walk in the tunnels.
Felix: Come on ! Vadim is mine. Vadim! Show yourself, you traitor !
Felix and Vadim meet each other in the tunnel. Felix puts his pistol against his jaws.
Felix: There was no gunpowder in those bombs ! You betrayed us.
Vadim: You never were very bright, were you, Felix?
Vadim pushes a knife in Felix's stomach.
Vadim: Still, you worked it out in the end.
Felix collapses. Vadim disappears in the shadows. Still on the floor, the Musketeers wake up, coughing. At the same time, Felix's friends are wondering what happened.
One of them: Felix is dead. Where's Vadim gone?
The Musketeers arrive close to them.
Porthos: Hold it right there !
Felix's friend: Musketeers ! Kill them !
The men start to fight. Quickly, the Musketeers get rid of the 4 men.
Vadim, glad to be alone, walks in the tunnel. Suddenly he hears a voice.
The voice: Behind you !
Vadim: You are full of surprises.
D'Artagnan, still invisible: I had a good teacher
D'Artagnan appears in the light of Vadim's light, but then disappears again.
D'Artagnan: This way ! This way Vadim ! Over here.
The two men finally start to fight. D'Artagnan pushes his sword into Vadim's chest. Hurt, he steps back, and then disappears again in the dark. D'Artagnan seizes a light on the floor, but it's too late, the man left. In the meantime, the Musketeers arrive.
Athos : So, you are alive?
D'Artagnan: I think so.
Athos: Vadim?
D'Artagnan: Wounded … badly. He can't have go far.
They run through the tunnel. Vadim, badly hurt, keeps on walking, losing his jewels in the meantime. He finally arrives at the end of the tunnel, and gets out.
Porthos : Stop there Vadim ! Stop !
They surrender him. Vadim, on the riverbank, kneels.
Vadim, to d'Artagnan: I should have strangled you at the Chatelet, saved myself lot of trouble.
He collapses.
D'Artagnan: Why didn't you?
Vadim: For the fun of it. It was a good trick. It should have worked.
D'Artagnan, kneeling close to him: It nearly did.
Vadim dies, a coin in his hand.
The Musketeers now stand at the Bonacieux's. Constance and Bonacieux listen to them.
D'Artagnan: My apologies for the deception, Monsieur. I had no choice.
Athos: D'Artagnan was doing his duty at great personal risk. He deserves praise, not blame.
Bonacieux: Oh, he is very brave, I'm sure.
Aramis: Please accept our profound apologies for any misunderstanding.
Porthos: No hard feelings?
Bonacieux: Of course not. I always knew there'd be a good explanation.
The Musketeers exchange a look. They all smile at each other.
D'Artagnan: I beg Madame Bonacieux's forgiveness.
Constance: I trust nothing of the kind will ever happen again.
D'Artagnan sort of nods, but keeps quiet.
Bonacieux: I'll see you to the door.
The three Musketeers and Bonacieux start moving to the door.
D'Artagnan remains in the room with Constance, who keeps busy with the dishes.
Constance: Things were very quiet before you came here, Monsieur.
D'Artagnan: I'm sorry. You must miss that.
Constance, looking at him: Not for a single second.
He looks at her, surprise. They stare at each other for a minute. She leaves the room. D'Artagnan, thoughtful, goes to his room. He closes the door. He then discovers on his pillow a forget-me-not.
In a chapel, The Cardinal and Milady are having a conversation.
The Cardinal: You were right about d'Artagnan. He has devil's luck. But all good fortune in the world won't save him, if he chooses to be MY enemy.
Milady: Then I must help him make the right choice.
The Cardinal: Oh, I don't suppose that there was any sign of the Queen's diamond pendant?
Milady: None at all.
The Cardinal: Pity.
He leaves. Milady turns back, holding the diamond pendant in her hand.
END OF THE EPISODE