At Sword's Point Page #2

My, my, what a pretty boy!

And what a sharp tongue.

Did you feel the sting?

On your way, lad! Monsieur!

I said, "On your way."

He'll cut you to ribbons.

I think not.

Hold! That ring! Who are you?

I am Athos.

Athos! Welcome, lad, I'm Aramis.

I am Porthos.

I am D'Artagnan, with apologies.

This occasion must be drowned.

More wine!

Why didn't you say you were Athos?

I tried to but was unlucky

to cross swords with D'Artagnan.

You could have beaten Porthos?

Perhaps. And me?

Of course.

Presumptuous, pretty boy.

I don't like those words.

I withdraw them. No fighting.

Our motto is...

I know, one for all and all for one.

To Athos. ALL:
To Athos.

I'm accepted? The fourth Musketeer.

Athos fights like a tiger

but drinks like a hummingbird.

I'm drunk with the excitement

of this meeting. Follow me,

I'll show you to your quarters.

I could sleep for a week.

You ate enough for a week!

I have a bed big enough

for the four of you. Four!

Go on! In one bed? It's all I have

but I'm sure you'll be comfortable.

Oh! But, I...

I couldn't, I'd overcrowd you.

No more than we'd crowd you. Go on!

Never seen a lad so fastidious

about a bed.

Surely there must be a couch?

We're comrades! The bed is for all

of us. One for all and all for one!

THEY LAUGH:

Perhaps Athos has never slept

four in a bed.

I'm accustomed to sleeping alone.

Which we'll rectify tonight.

That's the largest bed I ever saw.

Oh, no.

Oh! On the bed!

Let me go!

I'd rather sleep in the stables.

With the animals?

Athos, we'll cure you

of this shyness.

Enough of this nonsense,

we've got to get to bed. Oh! Oh, no!

I am Claire,

the daughter of Athos.

Now you've had your sport,

messieurs, leave my room.

Our room? My room, since

we will not sleep four in a bed.

Out you go, messieurs.

Sweet Musketeer. Charming Musketeer.

Beautiful Musketeer, let us in.

Go to bed. Where?

Oh, in the stable for all I care.

Well, shall we join the horses?

COCKEREL CROWS:

The question is

what do we do with the wench?

I make love to her.

I make love to her.

BOTH:
WE make love to her.

She wanted to be one of us,

she wouldn't betray herself.

Until it came to

sleeping arrangements.

A miserable night!

What's that peculiar odour?

Horses!

Horses... We're not complaining.

It's an improvement. Ah!

Food!

Good morning, messieurs.

Madame. Good morning, mademoiselle.

MEN:
Good morning, Claire.

Messieurs.

I trust you slept well.

My sleep was troubled

with thoughts of you.

I had the same thoughts

but they didn't trouble me.

HORSES OUTSIDE:

We're looking for grey-beards

who may be riding this way.

They're searching for our fathers.

I'll give them a taste

of my father's sword.

It's time for strategy. You are

my wife the Countess de la Frere.

Why can't I be the husband?

You are Viscount Patagrille.

You are Viscount Gargantuan.

Tell Pierre to saddle the horses.

Let's sit down and act normal.

Pardon, I have orders to search

here. Identify yourselves, please.

This is the Countess de la Frere

and this is... Her husband,

the Count de la Frere.

And you? I am

the Viscount Patagrille.

The horses are ready,

Count de la Frere.

You said you were the husband.

I am... He is my second husband

and he was my first husband.

You travel together?

Why not? We're all broad-minded!

Which one is the Count de la Frere?

BOTH:
I am.

When I relinquished my wife

I relinquished my title.

A very generous deed.

You're lying.

I want your true identity.

In that case...

D'Artagnan.

Aramis. Porthos.

And Claire the daughter of Athos.

Seize them. Claire.

I will not fight with a lady.

I'm no lady when I fight.

Are there any left?

Two. Where? I put them to sleep.

The Corporal's locked them in

the cellar. Then, on to Paris.

Put him in the cellar

with the others.

That will do.

I'm fatigued and wish to rest.

As Her Majesty wishes.

Tell the Chamberlain I'll see

no-one else today. Yes, madame.

Dismiss these people. The Queen

is too tired to see anyone.

Mesdames and messieurs, you heard.

COUNTESS:
Your Grace.

Any news of the Musketeers? No.

My men are scouring the country.

We're expected!

It is impossible to see her today.

Leave, or I shall call the guards.

Beware of Her Majesty's anger

when she knows how you treated us.

Guards!

Mademoiselle, how delighted I am to

see you and how enchanting you look.

Monsieur, I do not recall

that we have met.

You don't?

You don't recall that night...?

Oh, fickle is the heart of a woman.

For me, each moment is a diamond

enshrined in my heart. Monsieur,

I have never seen you before.

You haven't? No.

All I can say is

I regret it was not you.

Your medicine, Your Majesty.

I will not take it.

You must, Mama.

The Musketeers! Send them in.

Her Majesty will see you now.

Please go in.

Your fathers could not come?

The son of D'Artagnan, Your Majesty.

Aramis.

Porthos.

And you?

Claire, the daughter of Athos.

We have prayed for your coming.

You are our last hope.

My children must be saved

from Lavalle. It is dangerous.

We'd be disappointed if it wasn't.

If I close my eyes,

I'd swear it was his father.

When I die the Council of Nobles

will make my daughter marry Lavalle.

This must not happen.

I despise him.

Your Highness has excellent taste.

If I could get the Princess to

Spain, the King will protect her.

Under the threat of war

we'll compel the Council to

reject Lavalle and recognise my son.

From now on our lives and our

swords will be devoted to that end.

You don't know Lavalle, he is cruel

and inhuman. I'm guarded constantly.

Have you ever passed the gates?

Only for my carriage ride.

Six soldiers ride with me.

Six against three.

An unequal contest.

Do you forget me, Porthos?

Six against four. My apologies,

Claire. So much the worse for them.

When's your next carriage ride?

Tomorrow.

Tomorrow you'll be abducted.

Take care.

Five of my messengers have gone

to Spain and paid the penalty

with their...lives...

D'ARTAGNAN:
Your Majesty!

Mama! Summon Dr Fernand at once.

Please call the doctor.

Yes, Countess.

Come closer.

I do not know

how many attacks I'll survive.

If I die, my son is in

the monastery at Les Foss.

This is known only to ourselves.

Guard this secret with your lives.

Your secret is safe with us.

Thank you for coming,

I can't risk your life.

Please, Your Majesty.

Her sword is the equal of ours.

Nevertheless, she must go home.

It is my command.

FOOTSTEPS:

You should be resting.

Please be good enough

to leave her.

Thank you for coming.

God ride with you.

I've been searching

for four old men!

They intend to abduct her to Spain?

But now we know...

You'll stop them.

No, I must be careful. Their names

are still a legend in France.

So, I'll permit them

to abduct the Princess...

but not to Spain.

Good morning. Good morning, Claire.

When do you start?

We're awaiting word from Porthos.

Is this where we say farewell?

No, au revoir.

I'll see you again...if I live.

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