The Crown of the Hundred Years' War

Chapter 39 Pursuit

The British army eventually abandoned Meun and marched north. Following long-standing tradition, the French army, even without a glorious victory, were still able to celebrate the British retreat with singing and dancing.

But this time was different. Atil's royal cavalry did not see them off, but instead broke camp and headed north, seemingly intentionally following them.

When night fell, both armies stopped and set up camp, less than five miles apart.

Atil personally urged the militia to fortify their camp—the British could launch a surprise attack at any moment. Just then, Roland strode over and reported in a low voice, "Sir, a force of about a thousand men has been spotted encamped two leagues to the east."

Atil frowned. "Cavalry or infantry? Whose banner is it?"

Roland shook his head: "They were all light cavalry, without any banners. The scouts didn't recognize them, only saying that some of them had wooden poles tied to their backs and covered with white cloth."

Atil thought for a moment, but couldn't recall any army that used white cloth as a signal. He pondered for a moment, then ordered, "Have the cavalry form ranks and assemble five hundred men. I will personally conduct a reconnaissance mission. You will command the camp. If I haven't returned by tomorrow morning, retreat to Borjansi."

Roland nodded. Atil gathered the core of the royal cavalry and set off before sunset.

In the last rays of sunlight, he saw the camp. The camp was haphazardly set up, with even the horses not under unified management. He approached to eye level before a few scouts spotted him and hurried back to report. Looking at the chaotic scene, Atil suddenly felt a sense of familiarity.

Suddenly, a large flag was raised in the camp, and someone under it shouted something. The entire camp immediately returned to order. The flag bearer led the way, rushing towards Atil and his group, with cheers rising behind them, and countless soldiers following behind, holding up those strange white cloths.

Atil breathed a sigh of relief when she saw that the flag was embroidered with irises.

The lead knight, dressed in fine clothes and riding a spirited horse, charged straight at Atil upon recognizing his banner. Atil's personal guards didn't move—for the knight had already shouted, "Cousin! What are you doing here?"

Atil, for once, laughed: "That's what I should be asking you! Weren't you sweeping through the east? How did you end up in the north?"

Before Alençon could answer, Attil saw the other generals behind him: Giles, La Hire, and the owner of the great banner—Joan of Arc.

Giles dismounted and bowed, explaining, "My lord, we were indeed sweeping through the east. But Count Dinois said that the main force of the British army had appeared near Jeanville and had retreated south, requiring reinforcements. On our way north, we encountered a small group of deserters from the British army and chased them all the way here."

Atil's expression turned serious: "Dinois is here too? How many men? There are indeed nearly five thousand British troops in the north; I followed them all the way from Moun."

Giles did the math: "These thousand cavalry are the vanguard, followed by more than two thousand infantry. Lord Dinois has about the same number; he's encamped two leagues to the north."

Atil asked in surprise, "Why are there so many people? Have you emptied out the garrison?"

Giles turned to look at Joan of Arc on horseback and replied, "They are militia. People from nearby villages and towns have heard of your great name and have come to join us. Our own force only accounts for a small portion, and Lord Dinois's side is about the same."

Atil pondered for a moment: "I'm in the same situation here. My camp is already built, and it's closer to the British army. You'll have to work hard and join forces with me, and then try to notify Dinois."

Joan of Arc suddenly spoke up: "My lord, you said the English army has five thousand men. We already have over six thousand nearby—we can wipe them out!"

Everyone looked at Joan of Arc. Alençon led the way, saying, "That's right, the British have no idea how many of us there are. Cousin, let's launch a night attack on them now!"

Atil dismounted, took a torch, and used it as a cushion on his horse to examine the map. The crowd grew excited and gathered around.

After confirming the location, Atil finally spoke: "We can try, but not a night raid."

Before anyone could react, he ordered, "La Hire, Alençon, pick out the best cavalrymen from these who have seen blood, and give you my five hundred as well. Now go find Dinoire and tell him to do the same. Gathering over a thousand cavalry shouldn't be difficult. I appoint you as the vanguard; tomorrow morning, head north with all your might to search and pursue the British!"

Alanson glanced at Joan of Arc, and seeing her nod slightly, he and La Hire nodded in agreement.

"Gilth, you take the remaining cavalry and infantry and join me in camp tonight. We'll set off early tomorrow morning to meet up with Dinoire and pursue La Hire's cavalry."

Gilles bowed and accepted the order. Just as everyone was about to disperse, Atil suddenly spoke up: "Miss Joan of Arc, please wait. You will come with me."

Joan of Arc turned her head in confusion. Alençon and La Hire looked even more astonished. Alençon said first, "Cousin, you don't know, the girl is always at the forefront, she's used to being with the cavalry."

Atil frowned. "She was mending clothes two months ago. Where did she get that habit? I know she likes to lead by example, so this time we'll rely on her to keep those militiamen in line."

Joan of Arc said no more, silently turned her horse around, and followed Arthur. Alanson was reluctant to part with her, but could only bid her farewell.

It was midnight when Attil returned to the camp with his few remaining riders and Joan of Arc. He explained the situation to Roland, who had been waiting for him, and arranged the marching plan for the next day. At that moment, he saw Joan of Arc still in the tent.

He looked at the girl, more than ten years his junior, and at the faint scar on her head, and suddenly asked, "Miss Joan of Arc, you've been in the army for two months now. Do you think we can win this war?"

Joan of Arc was somewhat surprised, but immediately replied, "Of course! It is the Lord's will; we will surely defeat the English!"

Atil sighed, seemingly dissatisfied with the answer: "I'm not talking about tomorrow, or the day after. I'm talking about ending this war completely—maybe ten years from now, maybe even twenty. Do you think we'll be the victors then?"

Joan of Arc was genuinely at a loss for words, but she still replied, "Of course, we will drive the English back across the sea, no matter how long it takes!"

Atil straightened up, his expression serious: "Were your words just now your own thoughts and feelings, or that so-called 'voice of God'? If it's the former, what makes you so sure about the outcome of this war, which is longer than our combined ages? If it's the latter, how do you know if it's true or false?"

Joan of Arc also stood up, her tone resolute: "Lady Arthur, that voice didn't directly tell me the future. It simply told me—France will prevail! This isn't a statement, but a revelation!"

Atil glanced at the obvious repair mark on her shoulder armor and asked again, "If that was a revelation, did it tell you what the punishment is before God for a lie?"

For the first time, Joan of Arc was flustered. She thought for a moment before speaking, "Lady Arthur, what are you trying to say? I have never lied to anyone."

Atil laughed, a hint of mockery in her voice: "Looks like you really didn't think of that. Go get some rest, you have to get up early tomorrow."

Joan of Arc was somewhat angry: "Lord Arthur, even if you are a marshal, you cannot insult my beliefs! I have never uttered a single lie!"

Atil turned his back and walked out of the tent. His words sounded less like a reply and more like a murmur to himself:

"What if our very business is a lie?"

Joan of Arc remained silent.

Atil paused at the tent entrance, but ultimately did not turn back, continuing to walk and disappearing into the night.