"ELÉONORE THE INTREPID 1662, MONTARDY FOREST" "Mummy!" " Hello, Charlotte." " Hello." "Didn't you bring the apples your father promised me?" "I forgot them." "I can go get them!" "Please, Mummy, please!" "Alright then." "And don't dawdle!" "Yes, Mummy!" "Eléonore..." "How many times have I told you that swords are not toys?" "I know, Mr Gaspard, but I think they're pretty." "They're also very sharp." "I don't want you to lose a finger." "Your mother would kill me, and she'd be right to do so." " Is Charlotte not with you?" " She stayed with my mother." "She forgot the apples." "I noticed." "One day, she'll forget her own head." "And not another finger on the swords!" " Promise?" " Promise." "Off you go then, don't daily." "Get inside the house, watch over Jean." "Stay inside, sweetheart." "Madeleine Montblanc?" "Stay where you are!" "Leave her alone!" "Help!" "Help!" "Mummy!" "Mummy!" "Mummy!" "That bitch!" "Look what that whore did to me!" "Replace the baby..." "No!" "My baby!" "Give me back my baby!" "Tristan de Fressange, you are accused of the murder of Madeleine Montblanc and her two children," "Eléonore and Jean." "What are you saying?" "That's impossible!" "Take him away." "And collect the dagger as evidence." "This isn't what you think." "I didn't do it." "I'm telling you, I'm innocent!" "I've been set up!" "We'll see what the judge says about that." "Will we ever see them again?" "Not for a long, long time." "We'll see them in Heaven." "I want to see them in Heaven right now." "I want you to stay with me." "Come on now." "Eléonore?" "Eléonore, where are you?" "There you are." "It's your first day of school and you're already late." "I don't want to go." "And why's that?" "It'd be a good chance to make new friends." "Charlotte was my friend, I don't want anyone else." "I understand, sweetheart." "Charlotte would be really happy that you went to school and learnt lots of things." "Do you think so?" "But remember, in the village, you're no longer Eléonore Montblanc, but Eléonore Ferrand, the swordsmith's daughter." "Understood?" "It'll be our secret." "It'll keep you safe." "Swords will also keep me safe." "I want to learn!" "But it's a man's duty to defend a woman." "Girls wouldn't know what to do!" "That's stupid." "If Mummy knew how to fight, maybe she wouldn't be dead." "Charlotte wouldn't be either." "Get into position, with a strong, steady stance." "Legs nice and bent." "Stand straight, shoulders back, hand in the air, now watch out." "Face!" "Head!" "Face!" "Leg!" "Face!" "Face!" "Face!" "Okay, start again." "Face!" "Again!" "What do you think?" "Strong attacks, a nice feint..." "But you risk leaving yourself open!" "Obviously, you'll never be satisfied!" "I will be when you find a husband!" " A husband?" "What for?" " To take over for me!" "I can't spend another 20 years working!" "Don't worry, I have other plans." "May I know what they are?" "Remember, a King's musketeer is a function reserved for men!" "Laws are made to be changed, especially when they are unjust." "That's how the world is." "The world is what we make of it." "I believe that one day, the masses will revolt." "The poor will take their revenge and women and men will be equal!" "For a result like that, one revolution won't be enough." "Looks like I won again!" "That doesn't count!" "You surprised me!" "Yesterday, the sword was bent!" "You should re-forge it." "I'm not a blacksmith!" "I'm a swordsmith!" "I don't work in a forge, I sharpen blades." "I'm still waiting my sword!" "Eléonore, hurry up!" "You'll be late for work again!" "You'd best change your clothes if you want to get any tips!" "I earn my tips for the quality of my service!" "Not for the quality of my cleavage!" "Try to be nice to the customers for a change." "Never." "Bootlickers are the worst." "You needn't be so unaccommodating." "Look!" "No man will be able to resist you once it's finished!" "A prince..." "I imagine him being tall, good-looking, strong and sexy!" "I can see him now!" "A monkey!" " Come on, back to work." " Alright, I'm coming." "Watch out, it's hot." "I know my dream man is out there somewhere." "Once day, he'll whisk me away from here." "Are you still waiting for Prince Charming to come?" "And why not?" "You're too demanding!" "You'd do well to open your eyes, then you'd see the life you want isn't so far away." "Check out Paul." "H-h-hello M-M-Marie!" " He's a real Prince Charming..." " Don't make fun of him." "Paul is dead on his feet." "The King said he'd reduce unpaid labour hours, but he hasn't." "Now, farmers work even longer." "Give it a rest!" "We've heard it enough times!" "Why should you keep being a midwife a secret just because you're a Protestant?" "I doubt the new Intendant will change anything." "I know what I'm going to say to the new Intendant." "To hell with unpaid labour!" "I'll give him what for!" "You won't do a thing!" "You'd have to go into hiding!" "A women is giving birth in Monthuisson." "Be careful." "En garde!" "The length is perfect, but the tip seems a bit heavy." "I'll make the changes." "Allow me to present my daughter, Eléonore." "My name is Renaud, Miss." "Sir." "This fine man came to commission a sword." "His guard seemed a bit low, and his right arm was rigid." "Oh really?" "Do you happen to fight?" "My father never wanted me to, unfortunately." "Yet if I may say so, my daughter has a good eye." "How could I overcast such a luminous presence?" "Rather than flatter me, think about loosening up that arm!" " She'll be ready tomorrow." " Ready for what?" "To fight." "I'm referring to your sword." "Oh, of course!" "The sword!" " I'll swing by to collect it." " No." " Are you sure?" " I'd rather deliver it." "It'd be no problem for me to come here." "Alright then, as you wish." "Philippe can do it then, not me!" "Look!" "Marie, you look so elegant!" "Perhaps the new Intendant is good looking!" "You think so?" "Sir Nicolas de Liancourt, the new Intendant." "People of Montardy!" "His Majesty, Louis XIV, has granted me stewardship of your region." "I am delighted and honoured to have undertaken this task." "I am here to protect you." "I shall be tough, but fair." "But whomever does not respect the law will be dealt with by my Captain of the Guard." "That young man is a bit handsome!" "I know him, he ordered a new sword yesterday." "I didn't know he was a soldier." "I think I'll get myself arrested on purpose." "Maybe I'll find myself alone with him in a cell..." "Don't you think there are more important things to life?" "Well?" "Have you lost your nerve then?" "Intendant, I have a request!" "Stand down!" "His Majesty has granted all his subjects the right to address him." "And the Intendant represents his Majesty." "Proceed, Miss." "His Majesty promised to reduce unpaid work hours." "People work more and more without any compensation." "It's true that the war has delayed reforms." "I will talk with the King on this subject, when he comes to visit the town." "Thank you, sir." "Be on guard!" "A dangerous killer has escaped custody!" "He goes by the name of Tristan de Fressange." "He's guilty of the murders of a mother and her two children in Montardy Forest over 20 years ago." "Whoever facilitates his capture will be rewarded." "Give it up, Fressange!" " Madeleine?" " Madeleine was my mother!" "Now you'll pay for your crimes!" "I am innocent." "It was a conspiracy." "Of course he said he was innocent." "He'd say anything to avoid arrest." " Ouch!" " Sorry." "Why did he come back to Montardy?" "Killers always return to the scene of the crime, especially if their work is unfinished." "He was after you when he killed Charlotte." "He doesn't want to kill me." "He had the chance, but he didn't." "It doesn't matter." "This criminal has to be locked up." "I'll warn the Captain of the Guard when I go deliver his sword." "But what if he really is innocent?" "It's strange a man killed a woman and two children in cold blood." "Alas, this is more commonplace than you'd think." "I guess you're right." ""Dear Eléonore, my beloved daughter." "Love, your mother, Madeleine."" "You again?" "Yes." "I've come to collect my sword." "It seems I've gotten a bit lost." "Let me help you." "I can do it myself." "I insist." "Congratulations for yesterday." "It took courage to address the Intendant." "Did I impress you?" "I'm not exaggerating, but I'd like to say, I fully share your love of justice." "I'm afraid there are very few things we share." "I'm devoted to the people." "You defend the King." "The King dedicates his life to the common good, just like me." "With men of power, who take virtue in misinforming, personal interest always comes before the common good." "Just like people who wear uniforms and think they're big-shots." "You don't seem to trust institutions at all." "By the way, have you caught your fugitive?" "It's strange he came back here at the risk of being arrested." "Why are you so interested in him?" "Have you seen anyone fitting his description?" "Yes." "Whereabouts did you see him?" "At the marketplace, during your speech." "He was right before your very eyes." "Goodbye, sir." "Wait, Miss!" "I need more details than that!" "I told you everything." "I've done my duty, now it's time you do yours." "What did he look like?" "How was he dressed?" "Your questions annoy me." "The law obliges you to answer me!" "In that case, arrest me." "At least you'll get one prisoner today." "You again, sir!" "Yes, I got a bit lost on the way." "So you took the opportunity to help my daughter with the washing?" "Not at all!" "No, that was purely coincidental." "I came for the sword." "You seem to be in a hurry for it." "I really need it, sir." " But you already have one." " Yes." "I don't really like this one." " Yours isn't finished." " Alright." "In that case, I'll come back another time." "Didn't I tell you I'd deliver it personally?" "That's right." "I beg your pardon, sir." "Till next time." " Miss." " Sir." "Am I dreaming, or is this man courting you?" "But shouldn't I find myself a husband, Father?" "Of course you should." "Anyone but him though." "Among the guys my age, there's not much choice here." "You mean to say you like him?" "No way!" "That idiot?" "Not in the slightest!" "Yes?" "What is it?" "The arrest warrant for Tristan de Fressange." "Oh, yes, thank you." "Two pages?" "Is that all?" "The full report is at the Bastille." ""The accused:" "Tristan de Fressange, Count of Montferrand." "Victims:" "Madeleine Montblanc, age 25, and her two children," "Eléonore Montblanc, age five, Jean Montblanc, age six months, both born to an unknown father." ""Witnesses, Gaspard Ferrand, widow, swordsmith, father of Charlotte Ferrand, then five years old." "Charlotte Ferrand..." "Eléonore Montblanc..." "Get me the rest in Paris." "But that will take days!" "You'd best leave right away then." "Take that to my apartments." "Oh, your Majesty!" "Replace this, quickly!" "Now that's better!" "Don't you think?" "My dear friend, here you are." "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?" "The date draws closer, the operation will go ahead." "Are you still in?" "I believe so." "I'd love to help, as you'd expect." "My master has confirmed that if this is a success, you'll get the top spot in the new government." "Those are sweet words, to be sure." "But they are only words." "Perhaps you would prefer diamonds?" "Much blood is yet to be spilled, I fear." "Father!" "I'm sorry, am I disturbing you?" "You should knock before entering." "My apologies, but Fressange has been seen in town." "Then come back when you've arrested him." "Go on then!" "What are you waiting for?" "Don't worry about my son." " He will be discreet." " Tell me when he finds a lead." "Fressange is an old friend of mine." " This is for you." " Thanks very much." "Goodbye, come again." "I need help!" "Sit down, I'll look after you." " You can't do that here!" " We don't have time to move." "Let's take her to the back room." "Philippe isn't here, I need your help." "Impossible, I don't have the stomach for it." " Eléonore!" " I have no idea how this works!" "It's fine, just do as I say." "Get me some warm water." "That's it, now push, push again." "I'm going to pass out!" "I'm going to vomit." "I'll be right back." "Javier, upstairs." "You, with me." " Miss?" " Sir!" "You're so pale." "Are you feeling alright?" "Not really, no." "Would you mind if I faint?" "Fetch me some water!" "Miss, answer me!" "Take me to a doctor." "Please, hurry!" "Have your guards take me away, I beg you!" "Is this what we're looking for?" "Has this woman just given birth?" "Not at all!" "What birth?" " And what was that noise?" " What noise?" "It's a boy!" "This isn't fair!" "She's done nothing wrong!" "Helping a woman give birth can't be considered a crime, be they Protestant or Catholic!" "Arrest him too." "You can't arrest them!" "There must be another way!" "It's the law." "But you apply it stupidly, without wondering if you're right!" "Is that what you call justice?" "Enough morality lessons, Eléonore Montblanc." "What did you call me?" "Would you prefer Eléonore Ferrand?" "So, the Captain of the Guard isn't so stupid after all." "I'd like to know what he's looking for." "He's just a lout!" "I'll settle his hash, that pretentious idiot!" "Anger is a bad advisor, my daughter." "Agathe and Philippe are in prison!" "We have to do something!" "Perhaps Renaud will let you see them, if you're nice to him..." "You can't ask me to do that!" "You can't make me!" "Think of them." "A visit from a friend will comfort them." "So I'll have to lick the boots of the Captain of the Guard?" "Never!" "You have to learn to put your pride aside in order to serve a greater cause!" "That's what it means to grow up!" "Save your morality lessons!" "Go deliver his order." "No." "Out of the question." "Fine!" "What about my sword?" "You'll get it when you've earned it!" "I would like to see the Captain of the Guard." "Tell him it's Eléonore Ferrand, the swordsmith's daughter." "Here's your sword, sir." "My thanks, Miss." "I'll pay what I owe, if you'd care to follow me." " Have you ever been inside here?" " No, never." "Do you like it?" "I think it's a bit pretentious." "Let me show you around." "It was through the arrest warrant for Tristan de Fressange that I discovered your real name." "I wasn't looking for you." "I'd be grateful if you didn't tell anyone about this." "I've suffered enough." "As you know, my mother died, and my father died in the war." "Are you sure?" "The parochial register says your father is unknown." "Excuse me?" "Montblanc was your mother's maiden name." "No man claimed to be your father." "Look on the bright side, perhaps your father is still alive." "Gaspard is my father, nobody else." "Is that Agathe?" "Don't move, I'll be right back." "You're going to kill him!" "Guard!" "What's going on here?" "Your father ordered us to..." "Enough torturing!" "I thought I made myself clear!" "They're savages!" "My apologies, this won't happen again." "The next time, you're done for." "Got it?" "So, you're the Intendant's son?" "So, you're an eavesdropper?" "I think I know how you became Captain of the Guard now." "Don't be so sure." "My father never doted on me, quite the opposite." "Am I supposed to understand how the upper classes behave?" "Goodbye, sir." "Wait!" "I haven't paid for the sword." "This is my father's private collection." "The only passion we share." "This is a sabre from Toledo." "A sword made from Damascus steel..." "It must be a bit frustrating to live alongside swords but never use them." "Women aren't allowed to cross steel." "What does their use matter?" "I could show you some moves, if you so wished." "I'd be scared of being too good and running you through." "That's all you'd be getting out of the deal." "What is it about me that repulses you so much?" "I have no idea, perhaps it's the uniform." "Quick, we shouldn't be here." " Have you lost your mind?" " I'm sorry." "I just thought that..." "I bet you did!" "Try it again, I'll rip you to bits!" "I informed Father Nobelet, he's looking into it." "He says this ruling is final, we must not contest it." " He's looking for a good lawyer." " So much for justice..." "He's not perfect, but not as bad as you may think." "Speaking of which, this is for you." "No way!" "It's wonderful!" "Thanks, Dad." "I hope you'll only ever use it in defence." "Never to attack, is that clear?" "Crystal clear." "It's been a long day, I'm off to bed." "But what about Agathe and Philippe?" "There's nothing more to be done this evening." "We'll see to it tomorrow." "Goodnight." "Oh my god!" "Renaud!" "Well, that serves you right..." "Open up the cell." "I've already given you a key!" "Oh yes, that's right." "Where did I put it?" "Don't be afraid, it's me." "Eléonore!" " What are you doing here?" " Let's go, quickly." "Wait!" "What are you doing?" "If you're spotted, you're done for!" " We don't have time!" " Put on a mask." " No..." " Hurry up!" "This one!" "Take off your hat." " That's the one!" " Fine, let's go!" "Halt!" "In here!" "Come on!" "This way." "Guards!" "To arms!" "To arms!" "Fressange?" "Halt!" "Where are they?" "Spread out!" "They must be nearby!" "What's going on here?" "Why are you dressed like that?" "Agathe and Philippe Jacman and have escaped." "I followed them here and they've disappeared." "They vanished, just like that, by magic?" "I don't get it, they were right there!" "You saw, didn't you?" "I think Tristan de Fressange is with them." "Incompetent fool!" "Earn back my trust, bring them back here." "What are you all waiting for?" "Find them!" "Spread out!" "You have to leave, quickly." "Look after yourself, Eléonore." " Goodbye, Agathe." " Thank you!" "Wait, how did you know about that secret passage?" "I know that château well." "What were you doing there?" "I followed you, in order to protect you." "You?" "Protect me?" "I loved your mother, Eléonore." "And she loved me as well." "I never wanted to hurt her, least of all her daughter." "Hide!" "On your feet!" "Follow me." ""I fear they're looking for me." "Come meet me in Montardy as soon as you are able." "Tenderly yours, Madeleine."" "I was the one who gave her that pendant." "So, you knew my mother..." "That doesn't pardon your actions." "Why would I risk returning here if I were truly guilty?" "Then what are your intentions?" "To kill Madeleine's killers." "And who are they?" "That's what I need to find out." "How did you meet my mother?" "During a party at my château in Montferrand." "I was stripped of my titles after the trial, but before that, I was a noble, as was your mother." "Really?" "My mother was a noble?" "And so was my father?" "Undoubtedly." "So, me too?" "Tell me about my mother." "What was she like?" "A bit like you." "The same cheeks, the same mouth..." "The same determination as well." " I didn't know she had children." " How could she hide it from you?" "That doesn't seem possible." "I rarely saw her." "Ours was a long distance love, we wrote to each other a lot." "Until I received that letter, asking me to come to Montardy..." "Good morning, Papa." "I just got back from town." "Lots of things have been happening." " What did you do last night?" " Nothing, I just slept." "You must be a sleepwalker then!" "What's this?" "I've already buried one daughter, I won't bury another." "I couldn't leave my friends in prison!" "And to top it all off, you misused your new sword!" "I used it in defence!" "By the way, it's really good..." "And what's that?" "A cat?" "A bird!" " A bird or a cat..." " A bird or a cat!" "Who are you, sir?" "Tristan de Fressange." "You dare mock me in my own home?" "You'll pay for killing my sweet Charlotte!" "Stop, Papa!" "He's innocent!" "She's telling the truth." "I understand how you feel." "Even I feel guilty." "I fear my letters to Madeleine allowed her killers to find her." "She tells you she can no longer come to Paris, so she asks you to come to Montardy." "What was she scared of?" "I've been asking that question for 20 years." "Who would have wanted her dead?" "I have no idea." "My only clue is that on the way to visit Madeleine," "I was attacked by two men who each wore a strange earring." "It's identical!" "Where did you get it from?" "It's the Intendant's guards!" "Open up immediately!" "Run!" "I'll meet up with you!" "Open the door now!" "Here I am, so calm down." "What's going on?" "Prisoners escaped last night." "We're doing searches." "You've come at a bad time..." "Sir!" "What impudence!" "Would you mind not staring?" "I'm sorry, Miss." "As soon as you dress, the sooner we can leave." " And?" " Nothing, sir." "I told you!" "There's nobody here!" "I'm sorry for the intrusion." "And for yesterday too, I'm sorry." "Stop saying sorry all the time, it's annoying." " I don't do that!" " You do." " I don't!" " You do!" " Really?" " Yes!" "You just don't notice it." " Sorry..." " See!" "You just did it again!" "You're right!" "Sorry..." "Oh no!" "I just said it again!" "Sorry..." "Damn it!" "You're right!" "I just can't control it." "Well then, I'll continue my search." "See you soon, maybe?" "I hope so, at least." "Did it make you nervous seeing me naked?" " Not at all!" " Really?" "Didn't you like it?" "I did!" "I mean, I didn't..." "That incident was quite embarrassing." "Well..." " Miss." " Sir." "By the way, I inquired after your birth father." "I hope to quickly find him." "Did I ask you to find him?" " No..." " Then stay out of my business!" "I hear you loud and clear." "But your heart was in the right place..." "At least that's something." "Fressange!" "Fressange!" "En garde!" "I remember you." "Likewise." "Now, I have a job to finish..." "Why did you kill Madeleine?" "Those were our orders." "Your love letters gave us a good few laughs!" "Who are you?" "You remind me of someone." "The daughter of Madeleine Montblanc." "Impossible." "I killed you with my own hands." "That was my first life, this is my second." "It'll be your last, I guarantee it." "I remember your mother, before she died." "That bitch put up a fight." "We'll see if you do as well." "Your technique is perfect, but you're overcome with emotion." "You'll pay for all this!" "Finish me off then, you pig!" "You must have no honour, to kill a baby like that!" "We didn't kill the baby." "We took him and left another body in his place." "That's right, your brother still lives, but you'll never find him..." "Thanks." "You shouldn't have killed him, he still had a lot to tell us." "Well, I'm sorry I saved your life then." ""Where the sword meets the rose, you will find the bronze snake."" "This is the Saint Rémy coat of arms." ""Bronze snake"?" "It sounds like a biblical reference." "I know who could help us." "Good day, Father." "Eléonore Ferrand!" "What are you doing here?" "Have you gotten lost?" "No, Father, I came here to see you." "Have you had a revelation?" "No, I wanted to ask you an important question." "I want to know what a "bronze snake" is." "Is it from the bible?" "Yes, it's from the Old Testament." "Don't you remember?" "Moses crafted a bronze snake, affixed it to a staff, and whomever was bitten by a snake, and beheld the bronze snake, their lives would be saved." "Here, the bronze snake plays a therapeutic role." " Like an apothecary?" " Exactly!" "Thank you, Father, you've been a great help." "Oh no, not him..." "This can't be!" "Good day, Father." "Are you there, Father?" "Father, I must confess something to you." "For several days, I have been greatly tormented." "I've even been losing sleep." "All this just because of a young woman." "Carry on, my child!" "She's the prettiest thing I've ever seen, Father." "She's as beautiful as the day, as graceful as a dove, as fresh as a stream... as radiant as the summer sun." "Is it a sin to think about her so much?" "No." " Who is it?" " Eléonore Ferrand." "Father, is this strange feeling love?" "Is it love that makes me lose all sense when I see her?" "If that is the case, is it an offense to God to love?" "No, no!" "I hope this love will be reciprocated." "I've never met anyone like her." "But she possesses a strong will!" "She's as stubborn as a mule!" "And she behaves like a country bumpkin!" "She dresses like a scarecrow, and her bodily odour is often quite strong." "But I think she cares more than she pretends to." "Should I tell her?" "No!" "No!" "Thank you, Father." "I don't know how long I can keep this up, but I will follow your advice." "Tell me, how many Lord's Prayers should I recite?" "15!" "And how many Hail Marys?" "18!" "Oh right..." "Thank you, Father." "Maybe this masked man escaped together with Fressange." "Maybes, conjectures..." "The truth is, you know nothing." "Your incompetence exceeds your understanding." "You know, Renaud, on certain days," "I amuse myself by wondering if you really are my son." "Perhaps your mother died giving birth to a bastard son." "Who knows..." "You down there, come here." "What do people say about the man who helped the Jacmans escape?" "Speak freely, this is just an informal chat." "We really loved Agathe and Philippe." "We didn't care they were Protestants." "One night, at the tavern, a slightly drunk guard said the man who helped them escape wore a mask." "Since then, in the village, that's what we call him, The Mask." "He's become a kind of hero." "A hero?" "No matter." "This town is most certainly populated with asses and fools!" "Guard!" "Give her 20 strokes of the stick." "Need I remind you the King will be visiting the town?" "What will I look like when he finds out some masked fool is mocking us!" "I want him caught dead or alive!" "Is that understood?" " Yes, Father." "I won't fail you." " I hope so." "Don't make me punish you, my son." "Eléonore, don't you think you're being hasty?" "My mother's killers are out there, my brother is alive, and you want me to stay here?" "You're leaving with Tristan?" " And why not?" " Would you rather I came instead?" "Listen, you have to trust me." "This is my life!" "By bringing up the past, you risk everything!" "Eléonore, I forbid you from leaving this house!" "You can't forbid me!" " You need to obey me!" " No!" "I'm your father!" "Stubborn goat!" "I'll protect her as if she were my own." "You have my word." "If anything happens to her, I'll kill you." "You have my word." "Is he always so protective?" "Always, he's a real worrywart." "Let's go." "It's not too far now, look." "That's strange, we have the same beauty spot on our right hands." "Sure..." "Why are you looking at me like that?" "I don't know." "Let's go." "Look." "If it's drugs you want, I'll give you them." "Please don't hurt me!" "Do you know what this is?" "I don't talk to women..." "Then you'd best make an effort." "What is it?" "This is the first time I've seen this jewellery." "I swear!" " You mock me?" " Not at all!" "I'm an honest merchant." "Hold on, there's another apothecary in town." "It must be him you're looking for." "You!" "Is there another apothecary in town?" "Of course there is!" "Don't listen to her!" "She's an idiot..." "The only ones you're treating like idiots are us." "Look at this." "Men with earrings like that came here to order a potion." "What are its effects?" "It's a secret elixir." "If I talk, they'll kill me!" "Would you rather I kill you instead?" "Who are these men?" " Who?" " The Alliance of the Snake." "They're a secret militia." "Mercenaries in the service of the King." "Why would the King order mercenaries to kill my mother?" " It makes no sense!" " Your mother was very beautiful." "Perhaps, if she refused the King, he wanted revenge for this affront and had her discreetly vanish." "How sordid!" "Unfortunately, this happens in the Court." "What do we do with the apothecary?" "He could denounce us to the Alliance if we let him live." "We can't kill a man in cold blood." "But if he talks..." " I could cut his tongue out." " Good idea, then he won't talk." "Well, I feel sorry for the guy..." "I see." "Be careful." "Is there anything else I can do to thank you?" "So the saying is true!" "How do I know you're telling the truth?" " I could cut his tongue out." " Good idea, then he won't talk." " What if he can write?" " I'll cut his hands off too." "Perfect!" "Well, I feel sorry for the guy..." "We don't have much of a choice." "No!" "He's been beating me every day for 10 years." "I see." "But we hadn't finished questioning him!" "I heard everything." "He had to bring the potion tonight, to a house not far from here." "It's that small door, behind the bush." "Thank you, Jeanne." "Be careful." "Thanks to you, I'm now free." "Is there anything else I can do to thank you?" "My master is sick." "He told me to bring you this." "The apothecary is sick?" "So the saying is true!" ""The shoemaker's children always go barefoot."" "How do I know you're telling the truth?" "You could test me." "Great!" "You can drink some of this potion you've brought us." "That will prove its efficiency." "Why?" "What does it do exactly?" "Drink it and you'll find out." "You're shaking like a leaf!" "Drink!" "Stop!" "You stupid girl!" "I need this potion." "It isn't meant for you." "That would be a waste." "Get out of here." "Let's hope your apothecary gets well soon." "We shall soon have our revenge, my Brothers." "In Montardy, it will be my duty to have Louis XIV drink this poison, right to the last drop!" "Everyone will find out you don't eliminate the Alliance of the Snake with a simple royal order." "This will be a great party." "The King is to die!" " Long live the King." " Long live the King!" "If only he knew he has but a few days left to live!" "If the King did kill my mother, we'll soon have our revenge." " And we didn't do a thing." " Right." "But the King is the only one who knows where your brother is." "You're right." "Him dying would be of no use to us." "Perhaps we could try our luck." "You need to be careful." "I won't let anything happen to you." "Why are you so worried about me?" "I don't know." "I thought that maybe, there's something connecting both of us..." "Pardon?" "Forget it." "If you don't feel the same..." "Eléonore, I'm flattered." "You're young and beautiful, you know how much you look like your mother, but I have only one answer for you." "I could be your father!" " You mean you're not my father?" " No!" "You meant, a connection between a daughter and her father?" "Yes!" " What did you think?" " Oh, the same thing!" "Obviously." "I'd have loved to have had a daughter like you." "I met your mother a few months before she died." "You must have already been born." "I'm sorry." "You were the one who gave it to her." "She would have wanted you to have it." "Get some sleep now." "Put on your mask as we near the village." "It's dangerous if we go on together." "The Mask!" "Help!" "Help!" "I'm drowning!" "I'm drowning!" "Please, I'm drowning!" "Mr Mask, I'm your biggest admirer!" "I'm yours!" "Let me kiss you!" "Err, I..." "You have a stutter?" "I, I..." "Paul?" "Paul, is it really you?" "Don't worry." "Your secret is safe with me!" " Father!" " Eléonore!" "My daughter!" "Did you miss me?" "Of course, I'm your father!" "You always have been and always will be." "I was being really ungrateful." "Do you still love me?" "Of course, I'm your father!" "People of Montardy!" "His Majesty Louis XIV, returning from Saint-Jean-de-Luz, must make a stop on his route back to Paris and his Court." "He will pass through Montardy tomorrow morning, a day of festivities." "Long live the King!" "Long live the King!" "Long live the King..." "Miss!" "At last, there you are!" "Where have you been?" "I went to visit my grandmother in a neighbouring village." "I've been looking for you for two days." "Couldn't you stand being alone?" "It's just that I have a request to make." "The answer is "no"." "Don't you want to hear the question?" "It doesn't matter, you already know my answer." "Wait a minute..." "Won't you do me the honour of accompanying me to tomorrow's ball?" "Absolutely not!" " I don't know how to dance." " I'll teach you then!" "It's easy, you'll see." "You'll have fun!" "No, sir." "I'll just embarrass you." "I behave like a bumpkin, don't I?" "And I have strong bodily odours?" "The King will be there." "Perhaps I could introduce you." "Make a fool of myself in front of the King?" "Alright then." "I admire your spirit, Miss!" "What is it?" "You've turned pale..." "It's just that, I have nothing to wear." "Are you trying to look like the plainest girl in France?" "I defy anybody to look worse than me." "Look what I've brought you." " You finished it?" " Yes!" "And you can do me the pleasure of wearing it to the ball." " What about Prince Charming?" " Don't worry." "I've found something better than a prince!" "So?" "Turn around." "My little girl has become a lovely young woman!" "You look superb." "Just like your mother." "Everyone will be looking at you!" "I'll only be looking at the King." "Are you sure you don't want me to come too?" "All the nobles will be there!" "Most of them are your clients." "They'll recognise you." "You just talk to the King and don't take any unnecessary risks!" "Never!" "Let's see your shoes." "Renaud, I am very, very upset." "Am I interrupting?" "I have just returned from Paris." "Here is the full statement from the arrest of Tristan de Fressange." "Thank you, you may go now." "Renaud, are you listening?" "Yes, Father." "This can't be!" "Look." "The warrant was signed by the Marquis de Louvois on the eve of the murder." "Fressange was set up by the King!" "It matters little." "From what I can see, you still haven't captured him." "Nor the Mask!" "The King arrives tomorrow and you've failed." "We must confront the King and denounce this injustice!" "The real killers are out there!" "Confront the King?" "Have you lost your mind?" "I don't understand you anymore." "You instilled in me a love of justice." "You are sometimes so naïve, it shames me." "However, I know you are doing your best." "But when it comes down to it, you're just so mediocre." "Miss!" "Just because I said yes doesn't mean you can barge in here!" "How did you get up here?" "With a ladder." "I must tell you something of the upmost importance." "It cannot wait." "Fine, I'm listening, but be quick about it." "Tristan de Fressange is innocent." "I have definitive proof." "Look at this." "The arrest warrant was pre-dated by the Marquis de Louvois." "So who are the real killers?" "I have no idea." "Louvois will be at the ball." "I have some questions for him." "You have my word, I will find and punish them!" "Not so loud!" "If my father hears us, you'll be in for it!" "A man must be ready to take any risk for the woman he loves." "You're talking utter nonsense!" "Why do you hold back your feelings?" "I know you have strong feelings too!" "Not in the slightest!" "Then, tell me to leave." "I won't inconvenience you further." "Again?" "A slap for a kiss?" "Is that the going rate with you?" "I had a wonderful night." " Didn't you?" " Sure, sure..." "Quickly get dressed before you're found out." "I no longer want to sleep without you." "Your work here is done." "But you make me the happiest man alive!" "Please, get dressed." "We shouldn't have done this..." "I can't give you what you're expecting." "Why?" "What's stopping you?" "I don't believe in "happily-ever-afters"." "Yet they do exist." "I'll go to the ball, but after, it's over between us." "I don't believe you." "Then you don't know me very well." "Eléonore!" "I don't know if this will be the last time I see you, but you look unforgettable." "Really?" "Here, people don't reply with "really"." "When they receive a compliment, they say "thank you"." "Really?" "Shall we be off?" "What is it?" "I'm scared about the dancing." "Don't worry, this isn't Versailles." "Nobody knows how to dance anyway!" "The only thing to remember is the "pas de bourrée"." "Watch." "One, two, three." "And one, two, three." "I know the "pas de bourrée"." "And the rest is easy!" "All that's left is the curtsy and the turn." "And one, two, three!" "And one, two, three!" "It's not that hard!" "Let's go." "His Majesty, Louis XIV, King of France and Navarre." "Your Majesty, your presence here is a blessing, and an inestimable honour for me." "The heir to the throne, the Grand Dauphin, and the Marquis de Louvois, Secretary of State for War." "Music!" "Let's dance." "Remember, four "pas de bourrée", then a half-turn to your right." "Now the turn." "I'm getting the strange feeling I know you." "Is that at all possible?" "I'm getting the same feeling, but I would remember if I did." "Did the Grand Dauphin offer you a place in Court?" "No." "Something about him troubles me." "Now together." "I'll introduce you to the King." "He misses her terribly!" "And then, suddenly..." "Your Majesty, I am Renaud Liancourt, the son of your loyal Intendant." "And this is the woman I hope to make my wife." "This is news to me!" "Congratulations..." "Marquis!" "I haven't finished..." "Your wife?" "That's the last straw." "She's not welcome here, and you'll never marry her." "I'll marry her whether you consent or not." "Liancourt!" "Come here..." "Renaud!" "I won't marry you." " Wasn't I clear this morning?" " Do you believe what you say?" "Absolutely!" "You need to find another woman." "It won't be hard, there are lots of them here." "I'll be right back." "No!" "Your Majesty, don't drink it!" "It's poisoned!" "The Mask!" "Guards!" "What's going on?" "Your Majesty, this criminal tells lies to escape the gallows!" " Arrest him!" " Here's the man you should arrest!" "And you as well!" "I'm innocent, your Majesty." " This man is lying!" " He's right!" "Wait, I don't understand." "What is it you want exactly?" "You've narrowly escaped death!" "Both of them are lying!" "If we're lying, just drink a mouthful of that wine." "Then, I'll gladly go back to prison for another 20 years." "Intendant, is this wine poisoned?" "Of course not, your Majesty." "In that case, your son can drink it." "If my father says it's not poisoned..." "Don't do it!" "Wait." "Father!" "No!" "Father!" "Father..." " Take him away, make him talk!" " Marquis!" "You saved the King's life." "His benevolent Majesty wishes to grant you a favour." "Put away your sword and join us in the King's chambers." "Come closer." "To begin, please present yourself to the King." "Your Majesty." "I'm the daughter of Madeleine Montblanc." "Impossible." " She died 20 years ago." " I survived." "You killed another girl in my place." "Pardon?" "Eléonore?" "Is it really you?" "How do you know my name?" "Your Majesty..." "I don't believe it!" "My daughter is alive!" "Your daughter, your Majesty?" "All of you, get out." "How did my father become involved in a plot against the King?" "Speak!" "I haven't time for this!" "Your father was just a pawn!" "He wanted to be a minister!" "And we could have helped him!" "He was ready to do anything, even betray his country." "Good riddance..." "Why did the Alliance of the Snake turn against the King?" "Because the King betrayed them." "Well, here we both are..." "Why did the King betray you?" "He created the Alliance of the Snake!" "Speak, or I'll slit your throat." "The King ordered our executions after a mission." "We were meant to kill a mother and daughter, and steal a new-born." "We accused a man in our place." "Remind you of anything?" "What became of the child?" "We handed him over to the Marquis de Louvois." "He was the one in charge of the mission." "He's the one who had us all massacred!" "The Marquis de Louvois?" "Are you sure?" "Take off your mask, Eléonore." "Let me see my daughter's face." "Perhaps I'll glimpse the face of your mother, Madeleine, which I knew so well." "Your Majesty, all this is rather hard to believe." "You look so much like her." "It's frightening." "Your Majesty, this was all so long ago..." "I haven't forgotten a thing." "I met your mother at Court." "We quickly became intimate." "Our secret liaison went on for years." "We had two children together." "You and your brother." "After Jean's birth, she fell in love with another man." "She ran away with him, taking you with her." "That's why you killed her?" "Out of jealousy?" "Eléonore, so help me God, I never ordered such a thing." "Then why did Louvois sign Tristan de Fressange's arrest warrant a day before my mother's murder?" "I can explain all this, your Majesty." "In 1662, your one-year old son, the Grand Dauphin, died from fever." "Under orders from the Queen Mother," "I ordered the Alliance of the Snake to take back Jean, the son you had with Madeleine." "Without telling me?" "Your mother knew that without an heir, your reign would be threatened." "She chose to hide your son's death and replace him with Jean, who was the same age." "We needed to get rid of all witnesses." "I am sorry, your Majesty." "But..." "Does that mean that Jean..." "He's the Grand Dauphin, the heir to the throne." "The Queen and I didn't notice at all..." "You hardly saw your son, he had such fragile health..." "Your mother acted wisely." "It was for the good of the state!" "Acted wisely?" " To save the French monarchy!" " Silence!" "You were right to obey the Queen Mother, Marquis." "Guards!" "Wait!" "Shouldn't the King grant me a favour?" "I'm listening." "Sire, this is a state secret..." "We'll keep quiet if that is the price for our lives." "I've gone through enough." "Both Tristan and I just want to live in peace." "So be it." "Guards, stand down." "Thank you, Sire." "Goodbye." "Eliminating them would be a safer option." "The monarchy's credibility is at stake." "Even if she is a bastard child, she is still my daughter." "And now you want to kill her a second time?" "Fressange saved my life this evening, while you were the one meant to oversee my security!" "Jean?" "Sorry?" "Eléonore, let's go, now." "No need to rush, we're free." "Goodbye, Tristan." "Best of luck." "You should stay with us." "I thought finding your mother's killers would bring me peace." "But peace is never found through revenge." "Don't worry." "I'll find happiness somewhere." "Thanks for everything." "Do something for me, Eléonore." "Be happy." "After all this, I think life will be much calmer, like it was before we met." "Unless you accept to take the biggest risk of all." "Don't worry, I'll carry on fighting injustice." "Nothing can stop me." "I wasn't talking about that." "What great risk are you talking about then?" "The risk of loving someone." "Don't you think you're making a big mistake?" "Spare me that kind of question, today of all days!" "What do you expect?" "I'm very disappointed." "You turned out just like the other women!" "It's his funeral..." "You know, I was very clear with him." "I will be a rebellious and demanding wife." "If he wants a cook, he can just hire one." "I feel bad for the poor guy..." "Best of luck to you." "My dear friends, we have gathered here today to celebrate the union of two souls brought together by love." "Hold on!" "I haven't married you yet!" "Hurry up then, Father!" "We haven't got all day!" "SUBTITLES:" "RED BEE MEDIA FRANCE"