Twenty Years After · Chapter
XXVI: The Rencontre explained
D'Artagnan and Porthos, pursuing the Duc de Beaufort on behalf of Cardinal Mazarin, encounter a series of ambushes.
What happens
D'Artagnan and Porthos, pursuing the Duc de Beaufort on behalf of Cardinal Mazarin, encounter a series of ambushes. They fight fiercely, but are ultimately surrounded by Beaufort's men. Athos and Aramis reveal themselves as allies of the duke, leading to a tense standoff. The four former friends agree to a conference at the Place Royale to decide their future relations. Beaufort departs, and D'Artagnan and Porthos return to Paris, learning that one of their victims was Councillor Broussel.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The four former friends are torn apart by conflicting loyalties to Mazarin and the Fronde, yet they agree to a conference to preserve their bond.
Honor and Duty
Athos insists on a meeting to maintain honor, while D'Artagnan laments the loss of their shared honor as soldiers.
Revolution and Rebellion
Beaufort's escape and the ambush highlight the growing rebellion against Mazarin's authority.
Characters to notice
- D'Artagnan
Leads the pursuit of Beaufort, fights fiercely, and reluctantly agrees to a conference with Athos and Aramis.
- Porthos
Fights alongside D'Artagnan, defeats several opponents, and mourns the division among the friends.
- Athos
Reveals himself as an ally of Beaufort, proposes a solemn conference, and shows generosity by providing horses to D'Artagnan and Porthos.
- Aramis
Fights alongside Athos and suggests that D'Artagnan and Porthos join their side.
- Beaufort
Leads the troop that surrounds D'Artagnan and Porthos, grants them freedom at Athos's request, and sends a letter praising their valor to Mazarin.
- Mousqueton
Wounded in the fight, cared for by Grimaud.
- Grimaud
Brings horses from Athos to D'Artagnan and Porthos, then helps the wounded Mousqueton.
- Rochefort
Appears briefly, taunting D'Artagnan and Porthos after the confrontation.
Key passages
“Friends! do you regret you have not shed our blood?”
Athos asks D'Artagnan and Porthos if they are sorry they didn't kill each other.
Athos expresses the pain of their division.
“Alas! our honor as soldiers is lost to us forever!”
D'Artagnan laments that their military honor is gone.
D'Artagnan feels the shame of fighting former comrades.
“What consoles me is that, at least, in this chase, d'Artagnan has done me one good turn—he has destroyed Broussel.”
Mazarin finds comfort that D'Artagnan accidentally killed the troublesome Broussel.
Mazarin misinterprets the killing as a political advantage.