D'Artagnan learns that his inheritance, father's Gascon farm, was burned down by the region's abusive former royal intendant LaBarge, a ruthless giant, who was finally arrested for violent crimes. A brawl between the musketeers, who escort him to the Bastille, and the cardinals' red guards, who claim him but can't control the brute, gets out of hand, killing the guards' Captain Trudeau and displeasing king Louis. Richelieu inspires him to a high wager on a competition to determine the best of both regiments. It's decided to let each commander designate a champion, which Captain Treville turns into a sweepstakes competition among volunteering musketeers. The four heroes want the honour, which requires raising £30 (French livres) each. For Aramis and Porthos that just means seducing a rich widow, but D'Artagnan almost sells his soul by accepting the stake from Milady DeWinter, whom Constace considers a hopelessly superior rival. Richelieu however promises LaBarge a full pardon if he wins, and hence commissions him. The fight is D'Artagnan's best shot at the now desperately needed commission, but it seems lost when the captain, realising LaBarge is likely to kill his adversary, designates himself. And when the captain's plan fades under LaBarge's dishonourable tactics, Louis calls foul and Treville must nominate a second to take up the fight in his place.
—KGF Vissers