Each of you is out on business of his own late one evening in the eastern part of Paris, seeking enjoyment at taverns, clubs, or other places of relaxation and entertainment, or some such activity.  When we begin you are both out of doors, taking in the summer night air, when cries for help break the stillness.

“Treachery! Treachery!  Soldiers of the Cardinal, help!  Come quickly!” It is a man's voice, and mingled with the shouts are other, less distinct calls and the clash of steel against steel.  The sound comes from behind the Palais du Luxembourg, a favored place for private duels.  But the call of treachery suggests that this is no mere dispute between gentlemen, but rather an ambush of some kind.

Lucien looks up when he hears the shouting. He will quickly follow the man.

Claude looks up with trepidation, all the more so when his friend Lucien takes off. He checks to see that his sword is still on his belt. Rising, he begins to head in the same direction. He does not pelt down the road, moving at a fast trot with his hand on his sword-hilt.