Chapter 12

Court of Count Pierre d’Alencon

Argentan, France

March 1385

Jean de Carrouges knelt in front of the dais within the formal hall at the court of Argentan. His liege Pierre, the Count of both Perche and Argentan, looked him over disapprovingly. To his right sat Jacques le Gris.

“So, you wish to be released from your oath to me so that you can go on this fool’s quest to Scotland seeking riches at the bequest of my cousin, the King?’

“Yes, that is correct, my Lord Count. I cannot join them without your leave.”

“Jean, you know very well, you could have gone without my consent,” Count Pierre said. “This is a charter from the King himself. If you wish to go, I will not impede you.”

“Yes, that is true, but I would be breaking my oath, and in my absence, you could seize more of my property. I do not wish to be an oathbreaker, so I am asking you to release me as your vassal formally.” He stared as his lord with a mixture of hatred and disgust.

The Count shrugged and shot Jacque le Gris a knowing look.

“Very well,” Count Pierre declared. “I hereby release you from your oath to me. You are free to give your allegiance to another. Let us hope to God that you serve him with less difficulty than you have served me.”

“May I get that in writing?” Jean asked.

Count Pierre bristled, insulted by Jean’s request, but gave the order for a scribe to prepare the document for his seal and deliver it to Jean before he left.

Jean prepared to leave, but Jacques le Gris spoke up, stopping him.

“What will your lovely wife be doing while you are away?” he asked. “Why not let her come here and stay in Argentan as a member of court? I”m sure she would be very popular.”

“My wife will be staying in Campomesnil with my mother, the Lady Nicole. As you know, my mother is getting older, and she could use the companionship of Marguerite. I’m afraid my wife will be too busy to attend to the duties of a courtier.”

Jean retrieved the sealed document the following morning before he began the long journey to the port city of Lille. Once there, he met with Sir Luc de Vienne and offered his sword. Having fought together previously, the knight readily accepted Jean’s offer, taking him as his personal squire. This event proved to be a turning point in Jeans’ life.