Athos is not being overly challenged, but he endeavours to look as though he is, aware that Porthos will not take it well if Athos doesn't at least offer a touch of resistance and show difficulty. Even this, however, cannot do the job. He sighs when Porthos lambasts himself and unclips his sword belt, the musket and pistol going soon after. "You're being too hard on yourself," he counters.

"I'm sure you've still the advantage in hand to hand," he says, bracing himself for what comes next. "Come on, let's try and see."