Set in the early 18th century, a tale which centers around Lagardere, who is the trusted friend and bodyguard of the multi-titled and wealthy nobleman, Nevers. Word comes from afar that Nevers has an heir and resolves to marry Blanche, the mother and raise the child, who he assumes will be a son. The villain Gonzague conspires to slaughter Nevers, Blanche, and the child. An expert swordsman, Nevers is known to possess the "Nevers Thrust," a flashy, foolproof technique for skewering an opponent between the eyes. Only Lagardere knows the secret. Gonzague, however, fatally stabs Nevers in the back, forcing him, in his dying breath, to entrust Lagardere with the infant. Lagardere takes refuge with the child--who turns out to be a girl--raising her amongst a group of actors and puppeteers. The child, Aurore, believes Lagardere is her father and when the performers hit Paris 16 years later, Lagardere puts his plot for revenge against Gonzague in motion.