In April 1625, in a market town named Meung, citizens gather tensely. It is a time of many wars: battles between lords, kings, cardinals, and nations. However, the source of tension in Meung now is the comical appearance of a young man named d’Artagnan, whose shabby clothing and small pony reminds residents of Don Quixote.

D’Artagnan is embarrassed of his horse, but his family has nothing better. He is riding with a letter of introduction to Monsieur de Treville, who might be able to help d’Artagnan secure what his family sees as his rightful place in society.

As he travels, d’Artagnan resents the jeers on the faces of the passers-by. He sees insults everywhere. When he overhears a conversation between two people in an inn, he assumes they are talking about him and challenges the man to a duel. They draw their swords, but innkeeper puts a stop to the fight and introduces d’Artagnan to a beautiful woman addressed as Milady.

Later, as d’Artagnan goes to pay his bill, his money and his letter of introduction are gone. Certain that the man he was dueling with stole his belongings, d’Artagnan resolves to avenge himself. He sells his pony to pay the bill and walks to Paris.