Original subtitles

[dramatic orchestral music]

Provided by explosiveskull https://twitter.com/kaboomskull

[page whooshes]

[page whooshes]

[bell tolls] [water splashes]

[door rattles]

[keys jangle]

[shoes clack]

[chair legs scrape]

[somber music]

[quill pen scrapes]

[quill pen scratches]

[door creaks]

[door bangs]

[somber music]

[quill pen scratches]

[door creaks]

[somber music]

[boots thud]

[sword scrapes]

It is you, isn't it?

The great D'Artagnan.

D'Artagnan is indeed my name.

The matter of my greatness

I think I should leave for others to decide.

[sword scrapes]

The history of your noble actions speaks for itself, sir.

I have long wished to meet you.

The conventional method would have been

to make an appointment,

not creep about in my personal chambers.

May I ask how you managed to find your way in here?

[keys jangle]

Made a friend of one of the young maids

who brings you your meals.

She was extremely helpful.

And extremely friendly, no doubt.

Your ingenuity is to be admired.

The question remains,

why not simply request a meeting in the conventional manner?

Because I desire more than a conventional meeting, Sir.

Yes?

Allow me to explain myself.

You've been a great inspiration to me, sir.

So much so that I sought out the true facts

of how you became a musketeer.

The true facts?

Is it not the case, sir, that entry to the Musketeers

normally requires at least two years training

at the academy?

Yes.

But if a candidate performs an act of bravery

or expertise that greatly impresses you...

At my discretion, I may appoint the candidate

directly to the Musketeers of the Guard.

As was the case, I believe,

when you challenged three of the most famous Musketeers,

Athos, Porthos and Aramis, to a duel,

whereupon you had an audience with the King himself.

Well, you make it sound very straightforward, young man.

But I can assure you there's no shortcut

to becoming a Musketeer.

But is it not true?

Broadly speaking.

Is that how the legends have it?

They do indeed, sir.

Which is why I, Philippe Gastonne,

come here today to challenge you.

You challenge me?

Do you accept, sir?

You're just a boy.

What age are you?

No younger than you were when you made your challenge

to the Musketeers.

Put down your sword, Philippe.

I warn you, sir.

I will not leave here unsatisfied.

[footsteps patter]

[chair legs scrape]

I am prepared, Philippe,

to provide you with something far more useful to you

than just a duel.

It just so happens that I'm in the process

of writing my memoirs,

something which you have rudely interrupted.

Perhaps you would like to hear the actual facts.

Well, if I'm mistaken,

I'm sure the actual events were equally as heroic.

Listen to what I have to say, Philippe,

and then we shall see if you still wish to fight a duel.

Very well, sir.

[sword scrapes]

So where does the story begin?

On the battlefield at La Rochelle?

Or perhaps during the war against the Spanish?

How old do you think I am, boy?

Those campaigns took place before I was born.

My father, on the other hand, was well-acquainted with both.

[page whooshes]

[page whooshes]

I was born in Gascony, far from any frontiers,

and as safe from war as anywhere in France.

My father chose it deliberately when he retired,

as a safe place to raise his son.

[chickens cluck]

Was that comment directed at me, sir?

I said, was that comment directed at me?

[playful music]

Well, I can't see anybody else here, sir.

So I don't know who else your comment

could have been directed at.

My name?

My name is D'Artagnan.

[sword scrapes]

And I shan't take any more of your lip, sir.

[sword whooshes]

[sword thumps]

Let that be a lesson to you, sir.

And don't let me ever catch you causing trouble

around Gascony again.

[D'Artagnan Senior] Charles, where are you, boy?

[chickens cluck]

[door creaks]

[boots thud]

Sorry, Father, I was just attending to the horses.

Attending to them with your sword, were you?

[D'Artagnan chuckles]

You practice with that thing day and night,

especially when there's farm work to be done.

Have you ever stopped to consider

what the meaning is in it all?

To defend myself.

I see, and how much will you charge?

What?

To defend yourself, how much will you charge?

It isn't a profession, Father.

No, it's not.

It's not a profession nor a trade, nor a business.

Now running a farm, that is a profession,

but you've never had much inclination towards that,

have you?

We get by all right, don't we?

We do, but that's with me in charge.

There's always work to be done on a farm.

Feeding chickens, brushing horses, sowing seed.

And since your mother passed away,

there's housework to be done.

What will you do when I'm gone?

[gentle music]

Are you trying to tell me something?

Yes, son, I am.

Are you unwell?

[gentle music]

My God, how long have you got?

Don't be so stupid, I'm not ill.

What I'm trying to tell you, son, is it is high time

you decided what to do with your life.

You're almost 18.

By the time I was your age,

I was already fighting campaigns in the Dordogne.

Well, I'll fight anywhere, just give me a chance.

Give me that.

It's time you had a proper job.

You won't be needing this anymore.

But you've been teaching me how

to handle a sword all my life.

Didn't you ever wonder why?

We live in a peaceful province.

The only trouble you've encountered around here

has been of your own making.

But I've had that sword by my side

since I was a young boy.

This toy is not a sword.

[gentle music]

This is a sword.

What do you think?

[sword scrapes]

It's beautiful.

Where's it from?

This sword was a gift to me

from a man who was once my neighbor.

Monsieur de Treville.

Does that name mean anything to you?

Treville?

We fought together on many occasions.

We fought the Spaniards.

We fought the Huguenots.

We fought anybody who would make war

on the King and the Cardinal.

This sword was his parting gift to me

when we went our separate ways.

I retired here to Gascony while he went on

to serve the young King Louis XIV

as Captain of the Musketeers,

a position that he holds to this day.

Captain of the Musketeers?

Where he commands a salary of 10,000 crowns a year.

He is, as you might say, a man of consequence.

And not only that,

he is, in part, responsible for your very existence.

How is that?

He once carried a very important message from me

to your mother, asking for her hand in marriage.

[page rustles]

[page whooshes]

[soldiers shout]

We were both on campaign at the time.

He was stationed near to La Rochelle

where your mother lived as a young girl.

[page whooshes]

En route for La Rochelle, Monsieur de Treville

fought his enemies on no less than three occasions.

[page whooshes]

[flames crackle]

He crossed rivers.

He braved forest fires near to Lyon.

[page whooshes]

By the time he got to La Rochelle,

my letter was so blackened and burned and soaked

as to be illegible.

[page whooshes]

Fortunately, Monsieur de Treville was kind enough

to appraise your mother as to the contents.

And, fortunately for both of us, she accepted.

[page whooshes]

And now, speaking of letters,

I have written to Monsieur de Treville,

reminding him of our past friendship,

and requesting that he consider you, my son,

as a potential member of the Musketeers of the Guard.

Me?

A Musketeer?

Man-at-arms to the King himself.

Are you sure they'll accept me?

Your strength and skill with a sword is beyond doubt.

Your character is a little rough around the edges.

You're impatient and quick to anger,

nothing that a couple of years

in the Musketeer training academy won't cure.

A couple of years?

I don't need a couple more years training

on how to handle a sword.

Like I said, you are impatient and quick to anger.

[thrilling music]

There is more to a Musketeer than just swordsmanship,

but no matter.

Monsieur de Treville

is the most honorable man I have ever known.

I saved his skin on more than a couple of occasions.

He won't forget the debt that he owes to me.

I don't know what to say.

You will need to present this letter

to Monsieur de Treville in Paris,

only a few days travel away.

And you will need to pay for lodgings while you are there.

This pouch contains 15 gold crowns.

Keep a close eye on it.

There's many a man in Paris who would be happy

to relieve you of it.

The same goes for the sword.

And in particular, the letter.

Lose it at your peril.

And most important of all,

don't let that temper of yours get you into trouble.

Temper?

What temper?

You take every smile as an insult.

Even a look is a provocation.

Your hand is on the pommel of your sword 10 times a day.

Even the cows know not to look you in the eye

when your temper is raised.

I know you have a strong sense of justice.

Remember this.

Not every injustice is yours to resolve.

Listen to Monsieur de Treville and make me proud.

[adventurous music]

[boots scrape]

[dog barks]

Well, sir, we meet again.

I must ask you to step aside, sir.

I have important business in Paris.

[playful music]

Do you refuse to make way?

Let me say again, sir,

I have important business in Paris

with none other than Monsieur de Treville,

Captain of the King's Musketeers.

I command you to step aside.

So be it.

[sword scrapes]

[sword thuds]

[thrilling music]

[horse whinnies]

[D'Artagnan Voiceover] So I set out on my trip

from Gascony to Paris.

[page whooshes]

The journey itself was pleasant and uneventful,

which perhaps lulled me into a false sense of complacency.

Once in Paris, I soon wished

I'd paid more attention to my father's advice.

[adventurous music]

[bells toll] [rain pours]

Which part of his advice?

To keep the letter safe or to avoid getting into trouble?

Both.

I must say, sir, your story has been rather illuminating.

I believed you to be an example of a man

from a humble background, such as myself,

succeeding entirely on his own merits.

Now I know the sorry truth of the matter.

It's unfortunate we can't all boast a father

with such important connections.

Are you suggesting I owe all my accomplishments

to the words my father wrote in his letter

to Monsieur de Treville?

Well, if my father was a close friend

of the Captain of the Musketeers.

Who is your father?

Perhaps I know of him.

You might know of him, I do not.

Ah.

No wonder you have such a chip on your shoulder.

You've no right to judge me.

Not now I know you got where you were

through family connections.

You have no right to make that assumption,

until you have heard the rest of my story.

Very well.

Do go on.

On my arrival in Paris,

I quickly made an appointment to see Monsieur de Treville

and found some lodgings as my father instructed.

Unfortunately, my pride in my father's connection

to the Captain of the King's Musketeers

could not be contained.

I informed my landlord of my mission,

and he, I can only assume, informed half of Paris.

There's no harm in that surely.

Such was my thinking at the time.

I was soon to learn that Paris was a good deal

more dangerous than I had imagined.

[page rustles]

[adventurous music]

[bell tolls]

[boots thud]

[door creaks]

[adventurous music]

[solemn music]

[teeth crunch]

[hand knocks]

Yes?

[door creaks]

Thank goodness I made it.

[Young D'Artagnan] Sorry?

I can see right away that you are the brave young man

the landlord told me about.

I am?

I mean, I am.

Is everything all right?

No, I am in great danger.

Danger, tell me more.

I hardly no where to begin.

At the beginning.

Well, it began almost an hour ago,

when a man caught my eye as I was about to enter the Louvre.

The Louvre?

Yes, have you been?

No, I only arrived in Paris this morning.

Well, I recommend it.

And what about the man?

Oh yes, he was most evil looking.

He was dressed in the darkest of black

with a scar down one side of his face.

Well, he gathered his men around himself,

and they blocked my path.

With what intention?

Well, you can imagine.

In broad daylight?

Yes, and they made no secret of it.

So I turned, and I ran at once,

but they pursued me all the way across Paris

like a pack of dogs.

I can imagine the type.

They ought to be taught a lesson.

Tell me, where can I find these dogs?

Well, they are outside now.

Outside?

Yes, they followed me all the way to this very building,

when I came inside in search of someone to save me.

Well, you're lucky you came to me.

I'm not afraid of some common villains.

How many did you say there were?

Four or five?

Well.

The more, the better.

You wait here,

I'll return once I've vanquished these four dogs.

Or five.

Right.

Wait.

In case you don't return.

I will certainly return.

[boots thud]

[suspenseful music]

I was so utterly beguiled by the lady,

I completely neglected to find out her name

or indeed anything about her.

[bird warbles]

And naturally the pack of dogs was nowhere to be found.

[bell tolls]

[sword scrapes]

Young fool that I was,

rather than determining that the whole thing

might have been a ruse,

my mind was more concerned with whether or not I might

be able to convince the lady that I had vanquished the enemy

and what reward I might receive.

[suspenseful music]

[bells toll] [water pours]

The lady had disappeared and so had my 15 crowns.

And more importantly, my father's letter.

And I had yet to have my appointment

with Monsieur de Treville.

What did you do?

What could I do?

The meeting was already arranged.

Infuriate the man by failing to show up?

Search the whole of Paris for a woman I had

barely glimpsed and knew nothing about?

My only option was to attend the meeting as arranged

and hope to catch Monsieur de Treville in a good mood.

And did you?

Not exactly.

[page rustles]

[pages whoosh]

[somber music]

I was ordered to wait outside as Monsieur de Treville

apparently had a more urgent matter to attend to.

Also waiting to see Monsieur de Treville,

out of sight to me, but not out of earshot,

were three fellows I took an instant dislike to.

[adventurous music]

Do you know what the King said to me this morning?

[bells toll]

Do you know, gentlemen?

No, sir, we do not.

But we do hope you will do us the honor of informing us.

He said, Aramis, that in future,

I should recruit his Musketeers

from the ranks of the Cardinal's men.

The Cardinal's men, why?

Because, Porthos, he realized that his thin dregs

needed to be enlivened by some good and generous wine.

Thin dregs?

To whom do you refer, sir?

I refer, Athos, to you.

And to you, Aramis.

And especially to you, Porthos.

Me, sir?

Especially you.

Why would the King say this, do you think?

Because, gentlemen, he had been told earlier in the day

by the Cardinal himself the tale of three Musketeers

who had loitered after closing time in a tavern

on the Rue Ferou and were behaving in a boisterous manner

and generally making a nuisance of themselves.

When the Cardinal's guards attempted

to arrest the offending drunkards, a fight ensued,

which demolished the tavern, causing damage for which I

am obliged to reimburse the owner of the tavern.

The three Musketeers in question,

having been soundly beaten by the guardsmen,

spent the rest of the evening sobering up

in the Cardinal's cells.

On receipt of this knowledge, I, Monsieur de Treville,

Captain of the King's Musketeers,

was forced to ask the Cardinal for their release.

Does this tale sound at all familiar to you, gentlemen?

All except for the part where you asked for our release.

Yes, sir.

We didn't know about that.

Frankly, I was appalled at what I'd heard.

These were the King's Musketeers?

Back in Gascony, we believed the Cardinal

was only one step removed from the Lord himself.

Yet here they were fighting with his men in a tavern.

Everybody knows about the famous rivalry

between the Musketeers and the Cardinal's men.

I didn't.

Back then, such things were only spoken about in private.

But I was soon to gain quite a few insights

into the private world of the Musketeers.

[pages rustle]

[pages whoosh]

Surely you three have been Musketeers long enough

to know of the rivalry between our men

and those of His Eminence.

Of course, sir, that's why we resisted.

I'm sure you would agree it would have been a great shame

if the three of us had meekly surrendered to the guardsmen.

A great shame was averted

and replaced by an even greater one.

Can you even comprehend the damage you've done?

I'm sure we can pay for the damage, sir.

[hand slams]

I'm not talking about the damage to the tavern!

I'm talking about the damage

to the reputation of the Musketeers!

Three of my best men soundly beaten

by a couple of the Cardinal's guardsmen.

They did catch us off guard, sir.

And the worse for wear for several drinks, no doubt.

There was more than a couple of them.

I'd say there were four.

Or five.

Or six.

Yes, sir, six at least.

Six, against you three?

Well, perhaps the Cardinal's version of events

is somewhat exaggerated.

We would be most grateful if our version of events

could be relayed to the King.

I shall do no such thing.

I have already relayed to the King a version of events

in which the incident in question

involved three young Musketeers in training,

who are of no consequence and have already

been relieved of their positions.

I am not a man for whom such dishonesty comes naturally.

I hope I shall not come to regret it.

Of course, sir.

[adventurous music]

[boots thud]

I don't know who you are, boy.

But heaven help you if you're not bringing him good news.

[hand taps]

[boots thud]

[adventurous music]

[door bangs]

[boots thud]

[adventurous music]

[D'Artagnan clears throat]

Yes?

I arranged an appointment to see you, sir.

What?

Speak up, boy!

I arranged an appointment, sir, to meet with you.

Today at this time, sir.

Let me see.

These appointments are made on my behalf by others.

Perhaps you should just simply make plain the reason

for your request.

Well, sir, I come to Paris from Gascony

at the behest of my father who you know well.

I do?

I'm not aware I have any acquaintance in Gascony.

Oh no, sir.

You know him from before he retired.

His name?

D'Artagnan, sir.

D'Artagnan!

Yes, I remember.

You have a letter for me.

I'm very interested in reading it.

Your father, young D'Artagnan,

was an excellent comrade in arms of mine

on several campaigns.

I'm most eager to hear all about his most recent exploits.

Well, sir, the main reason for his writing

was in the hopes that you might be so kind as to accept me,

his son, into the ranks of the Musketeers.

Accept you into the ranks?

One does not arrive in Paris one day

and join the ranks of the Musketeers on the second.

One isn't received into the Musketeers

without first having passed the ordeal of several campaigns

or performed certain brilliant actions

or served two years training at the academy.

Of course, sir.

I'm aware of that.

But I must assure you I've received

all the necessary training from my father.

I'm sure you have.

Monsieur D'Artagnan was one of the greatest soldiers I ever

had the pleasure to serve with.

If he has shared even part of his skills,

I'm sure you will make an excellent candidate.

Well, if you'd like to present me

with the letter as proof of your provenance,

perhaps we can discuss how I might be able to help you.

I would be most grateful, sir.

The letter, if you please.

I'm sure you have not come all the way to Paris

from Gascony and neglected to bring it.

No, sir.

But...

Yes?

I'm sorry to say, sir,

last night, I'm afraid I fell victim to a common thief.

A thief?

Yes, sir.

Who relieved me of 15 crowns and the letter from my father.

Under what circumstances?

Well, sir, I was approached at my lodgings

by a woman who was uncommonly attractive.

Did you, by any chance, tell anyone at your lodgings

that you were coming to see me and for what reason?

I may have mentioned it.

And did you, by any chance,

mention that you were carrying a letter

addressed to me personally?

I didn't think it was a matter of such secrecy, sir.

Your father may have taught you how to fight

like a Musketeer,

but he taught you nothing of the way of the world

in which we live.

This is Paris boy, not Gascony.

You must be permanently on your guard

against all manner of subterfuge.

There is many a spy who would give their sword arm

to obtain a letter addressed

to the Captain of the King's Musketeers.

Irrespective of what it contained,

they will find a way to use it to their advantage.

Monsieur de Treville went on

to appraise me of important figures in Paris at the time.

The rivalry between the Musketeers and the Cardinal's men,

and in particular a man named Rochefort,

whom I was to be wary of.

Seems to be a habit of men

who become Captain of the Musketeers.

What does?

Giving lectures, which nobody requested to hear.

Well, then I advise you to pay attention

to this particular lecture.

If I'd taken heed of my father's lecturing,

I may never have lost that letter.

Now Philippe, if you allow me to bore you a little longer,

you'll find out exactly why I should have listened

to Monsieur de Treville.

[page rustles]

[pages whoosh]

Do you mean say that lady was a spy?

Possibly.

Did you say she was uncommonly attractive?

Yes.

Did she speak with a Spanish accent?

I wouldn't know, sir.

I've never met a Spaniard.

And was she accompanied by a man with a scar on his face?

She was alone, sir.

And she relieved you of 15 crowns?

Perhaps then she was just a common thief.

Either way, you stand here before me with no letter

and no other proof that you are who you say you are.

I can see only two possible explanations.

The bad, that you are indeed a spy

and have been sent here in the hope

that the mere mention of the name Monsieur D'Artagnan

would be enough for me to welcome you

into the hands of the Musketeers.

Oh no, sir.

Or, 1000 times worse,

you are indeed the son of Monsieur D'Artagnan

but are so utterly foolish as to have allowed

a personal letter to me to fall into the hands

of a dangerous enemy, who might yet use the knowledge

found therein to enact some devious plot against me.

What was the first one again?

The door is behind you.

Sorry?

The door through which you entered.

Please close it on your way out.

Yes, sir.

[boots thud]

And if you are the son of Monsieur D'Artagnan,

my good friend, then please give him my best regards.

Yes, sir.

And my most heartfelt commiserations

that he has such a fool as an heir to his once great name!

[boots thud]

[bells toll]

[thrilling music]

[air whooshing]

[thrilling music]

I just saw her!

What?

The lady who stole the letter.

I shall retrieve it

and bring honor back to the name of D'Artagnan.

[door slams]

[boots thud]

[D'Artagnan groans]

Can you not see where you're going, boy?

[Young D'Artagnan] Sorry, sir, I was in a great rush.

And will you not also apologize

to my friends, Athos and Porthos?

As I said, sir, I was in a great...

Athos and Porthos?

Then you must be Aramis.

You're the three who put Monsieur de Treville

in such a foul mood.

Do you know the trouble you've caused me?

Trouble we've caused you?

Do you know who you're talking to?

I do.

Three drunks who spent last night in the Cardinal's cells.

Now please step aside.

Three drunks?

Are you going to stand for that, Athos?

Certainly not.

Only one of us is a drunk, and it isn't me.

I advise you to retract your words, boy.

If one of you calls me boy one more time, I'll...

You'll what, draw your sword?

Dueling is illegal.

But not impossible.

I don't have time for this.

Oh, the favorite excuse of a coward.

That does it, name your time and place!

Me?

All three of you.

At once?

However you wish it, just make it quick.

You'll accuse us of having an unfair advantage.

If a duel is to be fought,

it should be one at a time on fair terms.

As one of the King's Musketeers,

I wouldn't have it any other way.

Name your time and place.

Behind the prison is usually quiet,

especially first thing in the morning.

At dawn tomorrow then.

In the courtyard behind the jail.

The three of us will see you then, boy!

My name is D'Artagnan of Gascony.

[boots thud]

[door slams]

Well, what do you make of that?

I'll wager a crown he doesn't show up.

I'll take that bet.

[thrilling music]

No longer in a hurry, boy?

[sword scrapes]

Do you still want a duel?

Not here, boy!

Public dueling is illegal.

Tomorrow at dawn, as we said.

Unless you're ready to back down and apologize.

Well, as a gentlemen, I'm always ready to apologize

if I have offended another gentleman.

The boy considers himself a gentleman.

But I see no gentlemen here worthy of my apologies.

So whatever you three fellows are,

I'll see you tomorrow at dawn.

The prison courtyard.

I'll be there.

About that bet we made.

I was thinking, we might change the terms.

And I was thinking, you're going to owe me a crown.

[rain pours]

These were the circumstances in which you challenged them?

I pictured a more heroic scene, not a bumbling accident.

I didn't challenge the Musketeers at all.

It was they who challenged me.

Still, you did accept and promise to take on all three.

At that precise moment,

I would have done anything to get them to stand aside.

My only thought was to retrieve the stolen letter.

Of course.

Did you ever find the woman?

I wandered the streets of Paris long into the evening,

but no, she remained elusive.

I needn't have worried.

Unbeknownst to me, at

that very moment plans were afoot for her to find me.

[page rustles]

[pages whoosh] [bell tolls]

[door creaks]

[ominous choral music]

Playing with yourself again?

What?

The chessboard.

I like to play for both sides.

So I see.

The maneuvering of the Court

is not unlike a game of chess.

The bishop moves here, the queen moves there.

And I am always one step ahead.

Even of His Eminence?

Everything I do is in the service of His Eminence.

You did well to acquire this, and the rumors are correct.

The boy was on his way to see Monsieur de Treville.

On a matter of any consequence?

Not in particular.

He's just a boy from Gascony

with dreams of becoming a musketeer.

But there may be a way to make something of it.

If he is just an innocent boy,

why not return his possessions and leave him be?

We will return his positions in good time.

First, I wish to speak with him.

Why?

He may be a nobody,

but he has a direct connection to Treville.

In fact, his father fought alongside Treville

and even saved his life.

And a man like Treville would be compelled

by his sense of honor, to return the favor.

If we could convince the boy to somehow

use his influence on our behalf.

What would you have me do?

Bring him to me.

How?

He's not likely to trust me a second time.

Return this to him as a sign of good faith.

And if that fails, I'm sure you will find a way.

[suspenseful music]

You always do.

[hand smacks]

[dramatic music]

You would do well to remember who I am and who I work for.

His Eminence could easily expose your sordid past!

And if he did, there would be no way

for you to avoid the executioner's ax.

You think yourself a queen,

but you are just a pawn in this game.

You see yourself as a king?

Of course.

Be careful, a pawn can move faster.

[ominous choral music]

[door creaks]

[birds warble] [bells toll]

[door knocks]

Yes?

[door creaks]

You!

Please, I only came to return this to you.

My 15 Crowns.

And to apologize.

You see, I had no idea who you were when...

When you robbed me like a common thief.

I'm sorry.

I should've known it was a ruse.

You're not the first to be taken in,

and you won't be the last.

There are very few young men as brave and gallant

as you that would ever refuse a damsel in distress.

Right.

Well, I appreciate your change of heart.

Why did you say you were returning this?

Well, when I realized who you were

and your relationship to Monsieur de Treville.

You read my letter.

- Where is it? - I am just coming to that.

Well, I need it!

I'd sooner have you take the 15 crowns

then the letter from my father.

I understand.

The letter is safe and will be returned to you.

Yes?

I just ask that you come with me.

I have a friend who would very much like to speak with you.

Speak with me?

Why?

Well, as I said, when we realized who you were

and your relationship to Monsieur de Treville.

Well, you can forget about that.

I'm sorry?

Thanks to you,

I have no relationship to Monsieur de Treville.

Once he realized I didn't have the letter,

he didn't believe who I was.

Sent me away with a flea in my ear.

But if you did have the letter, would he reconsider?

Possibly.

That's my only chance.

Everything's been going wrong since I came to Paris.

I lost the letter, angered Monsieur de Treville.

And to top it all off,

I have to duel with three Musketeers at dawn.

They'll likely chop me to bits.

You are dueling against three Musketeers?

Yes, though I have no idea how they got the rank.

Awful people.

Athos, Porthos and someone.

Aramis.

Yes, that's him, how did you know?

Those three names are often mentioned in the same breath.

They're well-known?

Notorious.

I knew it.

But highly-skilled swordsmen.

And you're going to fight all three?

How did that come about?

I don't know.

I somehow manage to get myself into these situations.

Perhaps my friend can help?

He has some influence in matters of the court.

You're not a common thief, are you?

This friend of mine has a proposition to make you.

It could be valuable.

Well, since I'm not going to become a Musketeer,

I do need a source of income.

If I return to Gascony with nothing to show of my trip,

my father would likely disown me.

Then you'll come with me.

At once!

I'm not taking you to fight a duel, D'Artagnan.

Such a beautiful blade would be safer kept here, no?

You wouldn't want it to be stolen.

Stolen?

You're a fine one to talk.

You're the only one around here who steals things.

And I am coming with you.

So the sword will be clearly safer here, wouldn't it?

Yes, I suppose you're right.

[suspenseful music]

Milady, I still don't know what to call you.

That'll do fine.

What, "milady"?

[dramatic music]

[body thuds]

So you fell for the same trick again,

even knowing she was most probably a spy?

I can assure you, Philippe,

if you have any human blood in your veins,

you'd have fared no better than I did

against so beautiful a woman.

Perhaps you'll find out kind of blood

runs through my veins.

You promised me a duel, remember?

I promised you no such thing.

You said if I listened to what you had to say...

And my story is far from finished.

Don't you want to know about the trap I'd been led into?

I hope there's some heroism in this story somewhere.

So far it's been a comedy of errors.

[page rustles]

[pages whoosh] [gate clangs]

[D'Artagnan Voiceover] I've no idea where I

spent the night.

Possibly in one of the same cells

that held Athos, Porthos and Aramis the night before.

[suspenseful music]

[page rustles]

[page whooshes]

When dawn arrived, I was rudely awoken.

[page whooshes]

You've done well, Milady.

The man with the scar.

Now you must away to England.

His Eminence requires this?

Are you questioning His Eminence's wisdom?

No, I.

Then are you questioning me?

Of course not.

Then do as instructed.

[shoes clack]

Milady, I sense not all may be as it seems.

If you should ever need my help.

I do not believe you are in a position

to make such an offer, D'Artagnan, but perhaps someday.

Bring him forward!

Please accept my apologies

for my rather unconventional manner of invitation.

Unconventional.

Your men are lucky I was unarmed.

If I'd had my sword, I would've made short work of them.

I don't doubt it,

but now to the reason for this conversation.

You have my letter, where is it?

Of course.

You'll return it to me?

In good time.

First, I have a proposition to make.

Well, I can't say you've made the best first impression.

I'm afraid such measures are sometimes a necessary

precaution when you're directly in line to the Cardinal.

You work for the Cardinal?

Then I presume your name is Rochefort.

Correct.

And I am without wishing to overstate it

the eyes and ears of the Cardinal, both in Paris and beyond.

And what part does the lady play in this?

She is not your concern.

Your concern is Monsieur de Treville.

According to this letter,

he and your father were great friends.

And if that is the case, that would assure you a place

in his favor and a place among his Musketeers.

Well, it might have, if I'd had the letter.

Didn't Monsieur de Treville look upon you kindly?

He did not.

Good, then you owe him no loyalty.

I propose to you, D'Artagnan,

if I return this letter to you,

you make a second visit to Treville.

Show him the letter, make any apologies or pleadings,

but you make sure you get that place among his Musketeers.

If you're a Cardinal's man,

why would you want me to be a Musketeer?

You will appear on the surface to be a Musketeer,

but in your heart,

[hand taps]

you will be a Cardinal's man just like me.

[bird warbles] [bells toll]

I knew he wouldn't show his face.

Who, the boy or Porthos?

Sorry, gentlemen.

But you know I can't duel on an empty stomach.

There's no hurry, Porthos.

It seems our opponent has let us down.

Well, how long should we wait?

The sun is up.

Let's give him an hour.

An hour?

I was hoping to be done by six.

I have a breakfast appointment.

You've already had breakfast.

This is a pre-duel snack.

My breakfast appointment is with a lady.

I also have an appointment with a lady.

What sort of appointment begins

at six o'clock in the morning?

The appointment began last evening.

God-willing it continues again this morning.

All right, we'll give him a few minutes.

So you want me to be a spy for the Cardinal.

You will be to all intents and purposes a Musketeer.

You will be on a full Musketeer salary,

but you will also have a full Cardinal guardsman salary.

But still a spy.

There will be no risk to you.

All I would require is the occasional report

on Treville's activity.

To what end?

That's not your concern.

Was it not your father's dearest wish

that you would become a Musketeer?

It was, yes.

But without this letter,

that will always be a dream and never a reality.

And one other thing, if you are not working for me,

I cannot guarantee your safety in a big city like Paris

or even your safe exit from this chamber.

[ominous choral music]

The choice is yours.

[birds warble] [bell tolls]

[coin rattles]

How many minutes is a few, Aramis?

Just a few more.

Always itching for a duel, Aramis.

Look, my concern is this.

What if the boy arrives late and finds that we're not here?

He'll think that we're too afraid to show up,

and he'll have half of Paris believing it.

What if word then reaches the Cardinal and then the King?

You think Monsieur de Treville will wait

to hear our side of the story?

Or to put it another way,

you're determined to wait for him

so that you won't lose the bet we made.

That's entirely beside the point.

Half a crown, wasn't it?

It was a crown, Aramis, as well you know.

A few more minutes then?

[playful music]

I could never agree to such a dishonorable arrangement.

And if I see Monsieur de Treville again,

I'll tell him exactly what you've been up to.

And what makes you think for one minute

that Treville would believe one word you say without this?

[suspenseful music]

No!

Without this letter,

you are just a boy from Gascony who will amount to nothing!

[thrilling music]

[flame crackles]

[mouth blows]

Very clever.

[flame crackles]

[mouth blows]

Are you gonna keep this up all day, D'Artagnan?

I have a great many candles.

[flame crackles]

[mouth blows]

Enough of this!

[chair legs scrape]

[chess pieces clatter]

Deal with him.

[thrilling music]

[elbow pounds]

Get him!

[birds warble] [bell tolls]

I think we can finally agree he's not coming.

That means you owe me a crown.

Coward.

What did he say his name was again?

D'Artagnan of Gascony.

Not a name that will go down in history with any

sort of greatness attached, I can be certain of that.

Let's go.

Wait a minute.

Is that him?

Running for his life by the looks of things.

[men shout] [shoes patter]

You finally came then?

Where's your sword?

What?

[Athos] For our duel, you're late!

[dagger scrapes]

[Young D'Artagnan] Sorry about that.

I was waylaid.

[dramatic music]

And who are these gentlemen?

Cardinal's men.

[Porthos] They're not in uniform.

Then we can assume that they're up to no good.

I believe I recognize that fellow at the back

from the other night in the tavern.

Four of them against one boy

isn't very fair odds, if you ask me.

Four against three sounds much fairer.

What do you say, Porthos?

I say you're itching for a duel again, Aramis.

What do you say, gentlemen?

If you are indeed from the Cardinal,

I'm sure you won't turn down a battle

against the Musketeers,

especially with the odds in your favor.

Four against three isn't bad,

but four against four is fairer.

Looks like the boy isn't the coward you

thought he was, Aramis.

My name is D'Artagnan.

Very well, D'Artagnan.

Let's see how well you fight.

[swords scrape]

[men shout]

[swords clang]

[fist pounds]

[swords clang]

[fist pounds]

[swords clang]

[dagger squelches]

[swords whoosh]

[swords clang]

[cabbage thuds]

[swords clang]

[swords clang]

[vegetable thuds]

[fists pound]

[body thuds]

[bell tolls]

I prefer a clean, gentlemanly duel,

but I can't deny that was fun.

Are we done here?

Surely this was enough of a fight to satisfy

even you, Aramis.

Well, there is still the matter of the duel.

What?

This young man insulted us.

Called us drunkards.

Said he'd take on all three of us,

if I remember correctly.

So he did.

But he's without a sword.

He can take mine.

I'll stand aside until he has vanquished the pair of you.

What do you say, D'Artagnan?

Are you really as brave as you made out?

You're really going to do it?

Take on three armed Musketeers single-handedly?

I'd say the odds are against you surviving.

I said I would, and I never back down from a challenge

regardless of the odds.

Relax, D'Artagnan.

I was merely testing your mettle.

I'm glad to know you really are

as brave as you said you were.

After all, dueling is illegal, you know.

If you broke the law, we'd have to arrest you.

Tell me, what was the purpose of your appointment

with Monsieur de Treville the other day?

I had hoped to join the Musketeers.

[Athos] Perhaps we could request a meeting

with Monsieur de Treville.

Together with D'Artagnan?

I suspect that once these fellows have woken up,

Monsieur de Treville will be requesting a meeting with us.

Come on, let's go before any reinforcements turn up.

Don't you two have appointments to attend.

[Athos] I'm not sure I still have the energy.

[Aramis] Perhaps you should send the boy in your place.

He seems to have plenty of it.

- What's this about? - Nevermind.

[water pours] [thunder cracks]

Finally, this story has some heroism!

I should have known you'd be more interested

by a fight in the street than any of the wisdom I'm

attempting to impart to you.

So did the three of you go directly

to Monsieur de Treville?

Not directly.

The first appointment we could get

was for the following day,

which fortunately allowed me time to return to my lodgings

to wash away the smell of rotten vegetables.

While I was there, something rather unexpected happened.

[suspenseful music]

[page rustles]

[page whooshes]

[bells toll]

[suspenseful music]

[hand knocks]

Surely not?

[door creaks]

- Milady. - Shh!

If Rochefort finds out I am here...

Please, sit down.

No, there is no time.

I am on my way to leave Paris for England

on a dangerous mission.

On Rochefort's behalf, I presume.

Will you ever escape from his grasp?

Perhaps one day.

Tell me, what's the hold he has over you?

It is not Rochefort that has a hold on me.

- It is His Eminence. - The Cardinal, why?

I am young, D'Artagnan, not much older than you,

but I have lived a long life.

When will you return from England?

I don't know, maybe never.

Which is why I came here to see you one last time.

[shoes clack]

I see something in you, D'Artagnan, a great spirit.

A sense of great honesty and bravery.

Something that is very rare in this world.

If only things were different.

Yes?

If only I wasn't under the command of Rochefort,

and if you were not enamored of the Musketeers,

or if we were not on opposite sides

of an unbridgeable divide.

Yes?

No.

It's impossible.

I must go.

My being here puts both of our lives in danger.

Will we ever meet again?

I cannot say.

Perhaps.

But in case we don't.

[solemn music]

Take care of yourself, D'Artagnan.

Goodbye, Milady.

Let's say au revoir.

[water splashes] [bell tolls]

We wanted you to inform you as soon as possible, sir,

before you heard any lies from the... [clears throat]

Before you heard any alternative versions of events

from the Cardinal, sir.

The second case of unruly behavior in as many days.

Brawling in the streets like common thugs.

You are aware, gentlemen, that the King's Musketeers

have a reputation to uphold?

Yes, sir.

We really are very sorry, sir.

And that reputation is to be the best fighting force

in all of France for whom no one is unmatched. [chuckles]

Least of all, a couple of the Cardinal's men.

Why do you think I was so displeased with you last time?

Because you lost the fight!

But this, this. [laughs]

I've truly something heroic to tell the King.

Well, he does like a good fight himself,

especially if his men are winning.

He is, after all, still a young man.

But the Cardinal.

Mm, I've heard nothing of this from the Cardinal,

which makes me believe that your suspicions

that his men were up to no good were correct.

If they had a legitimate claim on this young man,

I'm sure I would have heard no end of it by now.

The young man acquitted himself very well in the battle.

[Treville] Really?

Yes, we've been most impressed by his bravery.

And sense of honor.

Two days here in Paris and already you have helped

defeat four of the Cardinal's men?

And won the praise from three of my best Musketeers?

If only I hadn't lost your letter from your father,

I might've believed that you

really were the son of Monsieur D'Artagnan.

But I do have the letter, sir.

It's right here.

What's this?

It's the letter from my father, sir.

Monsieur D'Artagnan sent this rag

to the captain of the King's Musketeers?

[letter rustles]

[laughs] Why the devil!

This really is from Monsieur D'Artagnan.

Sorry?

How clever of him to remind me of the time

that I delivered a letter for him in such a sorry state!

He knew that only I would understand it's meaning,

making it totally useless to a spy.

He did tell me that story.

Wonderful, wonderful. [chuckles]

I must tell the King about this, he'll be most amused.

Well, gentlemen, perhaps you three...

You four, should all come with me.

[page rustles]

[page whooshes]

[bell tolls]

[page whooshes]

[tense choral music]

Perhaps you are a queen after all.

She is the most powerful piece on the board.

She's only at her most effective

in the hands of a skilled player.

Otherwise, she can become surprisingly

vulnerable.

How was it with D'Artagnan?

Exactly as you'd imagine.

You never fail me.

Soon that boy will be completely under our control.

As His Eminence commands.

[water splashes]

I have a question, sir.

Yes?

How is it you're able to relate

in such detail conversations you were not party to,

such as between Rochefort and the lady?

A good question.

I later came to know Rochefort much better,

in different circumstances.

He revealed a great many things,

which previously had been a mystery to me.

Now if there's anything else you wish to ask.

What became of the lady?

I came to know much more of her as well.

Oh yeah?

But those stories will have to wait till another time.

My memoir is only partially complete.

You must at least tell me what happened

after your conversation with Monsieur de Treville.

You really had an audience with the King?

What do you imagine happened?

The King was so impressed he immediately

declared me to be a Musketeer

and had me guarding the royal chamber within a week.

He kindly provided me with the opportunity

to spend two years in the academy training to be a Musketeer

just like everyone else.

Although I will say my new found friends,

Athos, Porthos and Aramis, made sure the years

were filled with adventures of one kind or another.

I soon came to know their various differences.

Athos was always the most serious

and considerate of the three.

Aramis always the most keen for action.

And Porthos, always the first

to suggest a drink or a good meal.

And where did you fit in amongst the three?

I like to think I brought a little youthful vigor

to the trio.

It was all a long time ago, of course.

[page rustles]

[page whooshes]

Aramis went on to become Superior General of the Jesuits.

[page whooshes]

Porthos married very well and became a baron.

[page whooshes]

Athos sadly fell from favor in his later years.

[page whooshes]

Now it's getting late.

Perhaps we'll meet again, Philippe,

in different circumstances.

I'm not ready to leave yet, sir.

Surely if my story has taught you anything

it is that there is no shortcut to becoming a Musketeer.

Perhaps,

but it's also taught me something about you, D'Artagnan,

which is that you never back down from a fight.

[sword scrapes]

You really intend to go through with this?

Young boy against the Captain of the King's Musketeers?

Wouldn't you have done the same at my age?

You were prepared to duel three Musketeers at once.

At your age, I would have dueled an entire army

if they challenged me.

It doesn't make it a wise thing to attempt.

My sword is raised, sir.

Refuse me now and I will have no choice

but to relay the news that the great D'Artagnan

is no longer the man he once was.

Perhaps too old and tired

or afraid to take on a challenger?

Afraid!

[thrilling music]

I have given you enough of my time, boy.

The only thing I am afraid of is the thought of having

to wipe away the stain of your blood from my uniform.

[laughs] That's the spirit.

You're finally starting to sound like the D'Artagnan of old.

Now

let's see if you still have the skills.

Very well!

[sword scrapes]

I warn you, boy,

a duel with me might prove fatal.

And if I survive, I'll consider it a victory.

If you survive, you can consider it a miracle.

[thrilling music]

[swords clang] [Philippe grunts]

[fist pounds] [Philippe groans]

[swords clang] [Philippe grunts]

[Philippe groans]

[Philippe grunts] [swords clang]

[objects crash]

[Philippe grunts] [swords clang]

[objects crash]

I did warn you, Philippe,

that a duel with me might prove fatal.

If I was afraid of death,

I wouldn't have come here in the first place.

Or perhaps you simply know, as a Musketeer,

I would never be so dishonorable

as to kill an unarmed man.

However, I could most certainly have you arrested.

Breaking in, making threats, starting a fight.

You'd get two years, at least.

Or perhaps you would prefer to spend two years

in the academy training to be a Musketeer

just as everyone else has to, including me.

Yes, sir.

[solemn music]

[sword scrapes]

I'm sure we'll meet again.

[boots thud]

[door bangs]

[page rustles]

Once my training was complete,

Monsieur de Treville kindly granted me a few days leave

to visit my father in Gascony.

[page whooshes]

[birds chirp] [dog barks]

[door creaks]

[boots clack] [wind blows]

Charles, I knew this day would come.

If only your mother could see you now.

Did you follow my advice and stay out of trouble?

As much as possible.

And Monsieur Treville, did he appreciate my letter?

He got the gist of it.

Well, in any case, I see it did the trick.

And have you made any friends amongst the ranks?

Yes, yes, three in particular.

Athos, Porthos and Aramis.

And now I'm equal to them in rank,

I'm considered the fourth.

The fourth?

The fourth what?

The fourth musketeer, of course.

[page rustles]

[page whooshes]

[solemn music]

Provided by explosiveskull https://twitter.com/kaboomskull

[vibrant orchestral music]