Feron forges a letter supposedly from Treville sending the four musketeers on an errand, intending that they will be murdered on the way but before they set out Athos survives an attempt on his life by Grimaud, who also springs Gaston from jail, whilst the king asks Aramis to accompany him on a pilgrimage to his father's grave. On their own Porthos and D'artagnan must weather an attack until their comrades rescue them after which the normally obtuse king, having realized the Dauphin's parentage, nonetheless joins with Aramis and the other musketeers to defeat his would-be killers, including Feron. However Grimaud escapes with Gaston, whom he intends to crown king as he believes Louis to be terminally ill.