Arriving at the monastery of the Carmes-Deschaux for his noon duel, d'Artagnan expects to face Athos alone, having no friends in Paris to serve as seconds. He resolves to offer honorable excuses to the wounded musketeer but remains prepared to fight fiercely if necessary. Athos is already waiting despite his severe shoulder injury. He explains that his seconds are late, and upon learning that d'Artagnan has no companions of his own, Athos worries that killing the young man will make him look like a brute. He courteously informs the Gascon that he will fight left-handed to accommodate his wound, an act of chivalry that d'Artagnan meets with mutual respect, even offering a miraculous family balm to heal the musketeer. The arrival of Porthos and Aramis as Athos's seconds completely stuns d'Artagnan. The three musketeers discover that the young Gascon has managed to schedule consecutive duels with each of them over separate, private insults regarding a shoulder belt, a handkerchief, and an affronted shoulder. D'Artagnan boldly offers a collective apology, explaining that if Athos kills him first, the other two debts will remain uncollected. Impressed by his wit and bravado, the musketeers prepare for the first duel. Just as the rapiers cross, a squad of the Cardinalâs guards, led by Jussac, interrupts the gathering to arrest them for violating the royal edicts against dueling. Outnumbered five to three, Athos, Porthos, and Aramis refuse to surrender, choosing instead to fight to the death. In a defining moment, d'Artagnan chooses to align himself with the King's faction over the Cardinal's powerful ministry. Despite lacking the uniform, he declares his heart belongs to the musketeers and joins the fray. The fierce skirmish tests the limits of all involved. DâArtagnan engages Jussac, utilizing dynamic agility to wear down the seasoned guard before plunging his sword through Jussac's body. Aramis kills one adversary and subdues another, while Porthos exchanges fierce wounds with Biscarat. Seeing a weakened Athos hard-pressed by Cahusac, d'Artagnan intervenes, skillfully disarming the guard so Athos can deliver the final, lethal blow. With only Biscarat remaining for the guards, the victorious companions surround him. Though fiercely determined to die fighting, Biscarat yields only when the wounded Jussac commands it. He shatters his sword over his knee in defiance rather than surrender it. Respecting their opponent's bravery, the musketeers sheathe their weapons and help tend to the wounded guards. The four companions march triumphantly back to the hotel of M. de TrĂ©ville, arm in arm, as d'Artagnan celebrates his successful, blood-soaked initiation into the brotherhood.