At Sword's Point

GUNSHO The year 1648

was a grim one for France.

With the death of the Cardinal

Richelieu, the hand holding

the country together was gone.

Terror and violence ruled as

the nobles plotted to gain control.

GUNSHO No papers, as usual.

What is the use of this

constant prying, monsieur?

I'm dying and we both know it.

The Duke de Lavalle knows it too.

The sight of him is more bitter

than medicine but

I dare not refuse him.

Such is the state of France today.

Her majesty

has the loyalty of her subjects.

Which pleases me,

but their loyalty is powerless

against Lavalle's soldiers.

The Duke de Lavalle.

How is Your Majesty's health today?

I regret to disappoint you

but I feel stronger.

Nothing gives me more happiness.

No, unless it were to be my death.

Well, what do you conceal there?

So, another of my men

has been waylaid.

A gang of outlaws. My soldiers

found him and brought me this.

Your soldiers killed him!

Your suspicions grieve me.

My first concern

is the welfare of the Queen.

Let us not continue this hypocrisy.

Understand, our ambition is

the same - the security of France.

There is suspicion

because your son is hidden.

What do you propose? Bring him to

Paris, let me marry your daughter -

the royal house will be strong

until Louis can reign. Never!

I may be feeble in body

but not in mind.

You wouldn't let Louis live

long enough to come of age.

You talk of security for France,

but you plan security for yourself.

I swear to you upon my honour...

Honour, the word is spoken easily

by one who is without it.

If I had not feared my son's life

would I have sent him away?

God will save him

and us all from you.

Your Majesty's faith is touching.

It is all I have left.

Now go, please.

Your Highness. Countess.

I trust you enjoyed your ride?

Exceedingly, Your Grace. It is one

of the pleasures that's permitted.

How lovely you look. I've not seen a

gown your beauty could not enhance.

My hand, if you please.

A thousand pardons.

A touch of your hand is worth

all the treasures in the world.

I look forward to the day when Her

Majesty gives consent to our union.

I cannot share your feelings.

Madame, what has happened?

Our last hope has gone.

Murdered, by Lavalle's troops.

The fifth messenger I've sent to

the King of Spain, the fifth to die.

Is there no-one else to trust?

No-one. Lavalle's ears as well

as his troops are everywhere.

It's hopeless. Hopeless.

I have so little time.

Henriette, what will become of you

and your brother when I am dead?

I do not know, madame.

This is my kingdom now -

all that is left

of my power and glory.

Lavalle has taken everything else.

Your father and I dreamed of France

as prosperous and at peace.

We were safe then

from such as Lavalle.

The King's Musketeers

were our guardians.

Lavalle disbanded them,

that is why I'm so helpless now.

There were nobles once

who sought our lives.

My four Musketeers saved us.

I remember how gay they were

the day they fought -

Athos, the giant Porthos, Aramis -

no woman was safe with him,

or wanted to be -

D'Artagnan, his sword

had no equal in Europe.

Bring me my jewel casket.

Yes, madame.

That day, I gave them each a ring

and kept four others like them.

I said, "Messieurs, if one day

a messenger brings you a ring,

"a ring...

"like this, you will know

that I'm in danger."

Today, the throne of France

is in danger.

Master D'Artagnan!

Master D'Artagnan!

You're wanted at the house.

You sent for me, Mother.

A messenger brought this, my son.

The Queen's ring? She must be

in danger, to have sent that.

Then I must go at once, for father.

Saddle my horse!

My father's sword!

I have a legend to live up to.

Use it well and wisely.

I will use it as father

would have - with honour

and in the Queen's name.

Goodbye, Mother. Goodbye, my son.

A moment, messieurs.

Why do you follow me?

We do not. Let me put it this way,

why am I always just ahead of you?

Perhaps, we're just going your way.

Which way? Bordeaux.

The road to Bordeaux is half

a league back. The Regent's Guards

are not used to being called liars.

The Queen's Musketeers

are not used to being followed.

A Musketeer - you?

He thinks he is his father!

That's why you follow me?

You follow me no further.

Shall we try the other arm?

Now the odds are more even.

I hope I'm not intruding.

Your husband? No, monsieur.

What do you want?

I'm looking for Monsieur Aramis.

I'm Aramis. Who are you?

D'Artagnan, at your service.

D'Artagnan! I ride for my father.

And I for mine.

This will be an interesting journey.

First, kiss

then to Paris.

The Queen's business can't wait

upon a kiss especially one from you.

Hmmm, pity. Well, be true to me

until I return, my sweet.

Remember the Queen's business.

It's a pity the Queen's business

cannot wait.

Au revoir, mademoiselle.

You come like ghosts

out of the past.

So, you were their sons?

Yes, Monsieur Porthos.

Laddy!

Yes, father. This is my son.

This is Aramis... Aramis.

..and D'Artagnan... D'Artagnan.

..sons of the noblest comrades.

Bring me my sword,

Her Majesty needs me.

It is useless. I had hoped

to ride with you...but I cannot.

Devil take this gout.

Yet D'Artagnan and Aramis ride

in their father's stead.

I shall ride for you.

One for all.

ALL:
One for all and all for one.

Ride hard and fast, my lads.

What about Athos?

His estate lies far to the north.

I've not seen him since his wedding.

Wait at the sign of the Golden

Cockerel. That was our rendezvous.

Touche! A beautiful hit.

There's nothing more I can teach you.

Monsieur's too kind.

I have seen the best swordsmen

fight and you are their equal,

with the exception of D'Artagnan.

I am flattered, monsieur,

but you exaggerate.

No, mademoiselle, there are not...

Claire, a messenger from the Queen.

The Queen?

He expected to find father.

Remember, you will be the man

of the house while I'm away.

I am the son of Athos. I should go.

Not now, dear,

when you're a little older.

Madame.

Shades of Pluto!

Have you returned from the grave?

D'Artagnan, Aramis, Porthos. Your

fathers have begotten themselves.

Where is Athos? We are waiting here.

Are we welcome?

Welcome. It's like the return of

my youth! You've never passed it.

Exactly like your father.

Corporal. Corporal, come here.

Would you not know them anywhere?

I fought with their fathers.

It's good to see old friends.

Corporal, take them inside.

Give them food and drink.

We'll drink a toast to your fathers

and my father.

Madame, I understand this was

the rendezvous of the Musketeers.

Which Musketeers?

D'Artagnan, Porthos, Aramis.

Oh, the OLD Musketeers.

Are they very old?

I have not seen them in many years.

Monsieur, not so loud. One of

the Regent's men might hear you.

I'll see if there's any sign

of the men.

LAUGHTER:

Messieurs, a stranger

is asking for you.

ARAMIS:
No time for strangers,

unless they're girls and beautiful!

A beautiful girl may not have time.

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