In 17th century France, master swordsman Gil de Berault is accused of illegally dueling within the Paris city limits and is sentenced to hang on the gallows. Moments before being fitted for a noose, de Berault’s life is spared by powerful Cardinal Richelieu, who has a secret mission for him. Richelieu and King Louis XIII are worried about the rising rebelliousness of the Huguenots, and they task the swordsman with capturing Duke Edmond, the leader of the rebels. Gil is certain the job will be an easy one, but when he falls in love with Edmond’s sister, Marguerite, his mission becomes much more complicated and deadly.