Shows A

clearly drunk and still reeling from the earlier defeat at the hands of the Musketeers. Jussac steals the letter as he attempts to molest her. By chance D’Artagnan rounds the corner on the way back home. D’Artagnan frightens them all off, fighting and easily beating Jussac who is renowned as the finest swordsman in France. Bonacieux is visibly shaken and another moment of tenderness is shared between the two as their love for one another is established. News of D’Artagnan’s bravery reaches court. He is a new hero. The King is privately triumphant as the Cardinal has been humiliated. However, he demands the presence of the protagonists. A meeting is called for the following day. In a rare and unexpected display of appreciation the King appoints D'Artagnan as a Musketeer and puts him under the care of Aramis, Athos & Porthos. Scene freezes. The lone figure of Philippe is lit downstage. He questions his identity. Act Two - Ten Years Later Aramis visits Philippe as his confessor. We establish that Aramis is now Bishop of Vannes. Aramis tells Philippe of his birthright and that he is brother to Louis XIV, the present King. Aramis pledges to exercise the release of Philippe and exchange Philippe with King Louis XIV. The royal fete is in progress in honour of the King. Members of court describe their true opinions of the King. D’Artagnan and Louis are discussing his new position as Captain of the Musketeers. D’Artagnan’s unwavering loyalty to the King is evident despite Louis’ selfish and cold demeanor. Porthos and Athos are reunited with their old friend during these festivities. Aramis meets the King to beg for a Pardon for prisoner Seldon and to get his signature to a lettre de cachet. D’Artagnan appears suspicious but leaves his old friend to complete his business. The Four Musketeers are reunited and reminisce on past days. Aramis visits his old friend Baisemeaux, now the governor of the Bastille, for supper. Aramis indulges in excess of food and wine with the governor, but, in fact, cleverly remains sober throughout whilst rendering the governor more and more intoxicated. Aramis hands over the order for release for a prisoner by the name of Seldon. Aramis cleverly switches this order with a fake in the name of Philippe and the tipsy Baisemeaux unquestioningly releases Philippe into the care of Aramis. Aramis and Philippe return to the Chateau where they take refuge in the blue room situated directly above the King’s room. As they wait for nightfall and the King to retire, Aramis begins to prepare Philippe to take on the image of his regal brother. During the night the King is visited in his room by masked men who kidnap him and replace him in the bed with Philippe. D’Artagnan visits the King’s room where a nervous Philippe is now in place. Philippe and D’Artagnan interact but D’Artagnan is suspicious of quite obvious changes of manner in his King. Aramis is summoned and confesses his secret to his old friend, dependant upon their oath of allegiance to escape possible arrest. D’Artagnan warns Aramis that he will be forced to reinstate the King upon his honour and return Philippe to the Bastille. Surprisingly, D’Artagnan allows Aramis a head start but vows to track him down on the orders of his ‘true’ King which he knows will follow once he reveals the plot to Louis and releases him. Aramis takes flight to meet Porthos. Anne and Philippe are reunited. D’Artagnan tells King of plot as he releases him and,angry he immediately orders the banishment of Philippe to Iles Ste. Marguerite. "He will cover his face with an iron mask, which the captive cannot remove without risk to his life" The King orders D’Artagnan to seek out Aramis and return him to stand trial for treason. Aramis visits Porthos with news of an urgent mission. Porthos does not quite clearly understand what kind of mission or to where, but follows his friend’s urgent example without question. All for One! Porthos reads this as the quest for his dukedom that he has always craved and exclaims, "I shall be made a Duke". Bonacieux arrives and upon hearing of the plot vows to stand by D’Artagnan. The three musketeers are reunited once more and immediately Aramis pours out his story of Philippe’s banishment and D’Artagnan’s solemn vow. Aramis reminds Athos of his grievances against the young King. The three musketeers pledge their allegiance to one another and vow to restore justice by setting Philippe free and returning Louis to the Bastille. D’Artagnan returns to the Inn in search of his friends, where he is set upon by Jussac who hungers for

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