The Rivalry Between the King's Musketeers and the Cardinal's Guards

The ongoing conflict between the two elite corps, reflecting the larger power struggle between the king and the cardinal.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

First Clash at the Carmes-Deschaux

A Duel Becomes a Battle The Ambush D'Artagnan, having challenged Athos to a duel, meets him at the Carmes-Deschaux. Porthos and Aramis arrive as seconds. Before they can fight, a patrol of the Cardinal's Guards, led by Jussac, appears and attempts to arrest them for illegal dueling. The Musketeers refuse to submit. The Fight Outnumbered five to three, the Musketeers prepare to fight. D'Artagnan, though not a Musketeer, declares himself on their side. Together, they defeat the Guards, with d'Artagnan wounding Jussac. This victory establishes the four friends' reputation and deepens the enmity between the corps. Aftermath The king, upon hearing of the fight, is pleased that his Musketeers have bested the cardinal's men. M. de Treville uses the incident to strengthen his position. The rivalry becomes a constant feature of life at court and in the camp.

The Tennis Court Brawl

A Second Victory The Provocation While playing tennis, d'Artagnan is insulted by Bernajoux, a Cardinal's Guard. They duel, and d'Artagnan wounds him. Bernajoux's friends attack d'Artagnan, but Athos, Porthos, and Aramis come to his aid. The brawl escalates into a full-scale street fight. The Intervention of M. de la Tremouille The fight spills into the hotel of the Duc de la Tremouille, whose servants join the Guards. The Musketeers are outnumbered, but they hold their ground until reinforcements arrive. The duke, a neutral party, later testifies that the Guards were the aggressors. Royal Favor King Louis XIII, pleased with the Musketeers' prowess, rewards d'Artagnan with forty pistoles. The cardinal is forced to accept the outcome, but his resentment grows. The rivalry continues to simmer throughout the novel.

The Duel with the Englishmen

A Challenge Accepted The Englishmen's Taunt Lord de Winter and three other Englishmen, having won horses from the Musketeers at dice, mock their names. The Musketeers challenge them to a duel to defend their honor. The Englishmen, though reluctant, agree. The Combat The duel takes place behind the Luxembourg. Athos kills his opponent, Porthos wounds his, Aramis's opponent flees, and d'Artagnan disarms Lord de Winter but spares his life. The victory is complete, and the Musketeers' reputation for bravery is enhanced. A New Alliance Lord de Winter, grateful for d'Artagnan's mercy, introduces him to his sister-in-law, Milady. This introduction sets in motion a chain of events that will have far-reaching consequences. The duel also cements the friendship between d'Artagnan and Lord de Winter.

early in the story

shortly after the first clash

before the siege of La Rochelle