4 Chapter 3 Sword and Banner

CHAPTER 3 Sword and Banner At first the soldiers who traveled with Joan and her knight, Metz, didn't know what to make of her. They were surprised to find themselves escorting a teenage girl to meet their prince. But the longer they traveled with her, the more they believed in her. It took eleven days for Joan and her friends to reach the castle fortress of Chinon. When they arrived, they waited for the castle guards to let down the drawbridge so

they could enter. One of the guards insulted Joan. She told him that someone dying so soon should not be so rude. Later in the day, that very guard drowned in the waters of the moat that surrounded the castle walls. Had Joan secretly known of this man's future? Charles had heard all about Joan from Baudricourt. but he didn't yet know if he should trust her. So he decided on a test. Joan was led into the castle. She entered a room lit only by candles. It was filled with hundreds of knights. Only one man was dressed like a prince. But Joan walked right past him to another who was dressed plainly. He was short. He had a big nose and droopy eyes. Joan dropped to her knees before him and said, "Most noble dauphin, the king of heaven announces to you, by me, that you will be anointed and crowned king."

Joan had passed the test. She had known Charles even though she had never met him and even though he had been in disguise. At the castle in Chinon, Joan met John, Duke of Alencon. He was only twenty-three, but he had already spent five years as an English prisoner. It didn't take long for him to pledge his loyalty to Joan. She called him her "Beau Duc," or "Handsome Duke." But not everyone was convinced by Joan. Charles was surrounded by counselors. Many

were greedy and selfish and had their own plans. They demanded that priests talk to Joan to make sure she wasn't working for the devil. Joan was questioned for three weeks by the local bishop. Sometimes Joan got impatient with all their questions and demands for signs proving that she was sent by God. "In the name of God, I did not come here to give signs," she said. "But take me to Orléans and I will show you the signs for which I was sent."

Finally Joan prepared to leave for Orléans. On March 22, 1429, Joan had someone write a letter for her and sent it to the English commanders, telling them to leave France on God's orders. The English army didn't

respond. They simply captured the messenger, known as a herald, who had delivered the letter! In order to free the town of Orléans, Joan would have to lead her soldiers into battle