The Musketeers vs. the Cardinal's Guards

The institutional rivalry between the king's elite corps and the cardinal's personal guard, reflecting the power struggle at court.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Battle at the Carmes-Deschaux

A Duel Turns into a Skirmish The Confrontation Athos, Porthos, and Aramis are about to duel with d'Artagnan when Jussac and four Cardinal's Guards arrive to arrest them. The Musketeers refuse to submit, and a fight ensues. D'Artagnan joins them, and together they defeat the Guards. The Aftermath The victory is celebrated by the Musketeers and the king. M. de Treville uses it to strengthen his position. The cardinal is humiliated, and the rivalry intensifies. A Pattern Established This skirmish sets the pattern for future conflicts. The Musketeers and Guards frequently clash, and each victory or defeat affects the balance of power between the king and the cardinal.

The Street Fight After Tennis

A Second Victory The Insult D'Artagnan is insulted by Bernajoux, a Cardinal's Guard, while playing tennis. They duel, and d'Artagnan wounds him. Bernajoux's friends attack, but the Musketeers come to d'Artagnan's aid. The Escalation The fight spreads to the hotel of the Duc de la Tremouille. The Musketeers are outnumbered but hold their ground. The duke later testifies that the Guards were the aggressors, and the king rewards d'Artagnan. The Cardinal's Frustration The cardinal is forced to accept the outcome, but his resentment grows. The rivalry continues to simmer, with each side looking for an advantage.

early in the story

shortly after the first battle