Chapter 7 Chapter VII Enlistment

magistrate: Please bring me the code and read these articles swear, kiss the bible Sign your name and go be a brave soldier. For the heroic deeds you will do hereafter, Take your fair share from the treasury Sixpence a day plus provisions and allowances. "Recruiter" The archers called a squire to walk, freeing up a horse for Quentin.Darwilt rode on.His mighty countrymen accompanied him and rode swiftly in the direction of Plessy Castle.In fact, though he did not want to, he would take up residence and become one of its inhabitants in the shadowy castle that had surprised him this morning.

On the way his uncle inquired repeatedly about the incident which put him in great danger.He gave him a detailed introduction.Although he felt that his narrative should be very touching and not ridiculous, it unexpectedly caused a burst of laughter among his companions who protected him. However, this is really not a funny thing.His uncle said, what the hell happened.What makes this ignorant baby insist on interfering with the dead body of a half-Jewish, half-Moor pagan who doesn't believe in Christ? If only he was like Moffat.Like Michelle, quarreling with the Military Advocate Director for a beautiful girl is still arguable.Cunningham preached.

Still, I think Triston and his men are really deliberately undermining our dignity by pretending they can't tell the difference between our Scotch caps and the so-called hoods worn by prowling bums.If they're blind to the difference, Lindsay says, you've got to teach them with your fists.However, I think Triston is feigning a misunderstanding in order to eat good Scots when they come to visit their relatives. Uncle, may I ask who you are talking about?Quentin asked. Of course, replied his uncle, but, good nephew, I don't know anyone who can answer your question.I certainly cannot answer you.However, others do not necessarily know more than I do.It is said that they came to France in the last year or two like swarms of locusts.

Yes, said Lindsay, Honest Jack (boy, Honest Jack is a nickname for the farmers here You'll learn the way we talk when you'll learn how we talk) Honest Jack doesn't care what wind brings them or brings locusts, They only care about what wind will blow these away again. Did they do a lot of bad things?asked the young man. bad thing?Hey, boy, they're pagans, or Jews, at least followers of Muhammad, who worship neither the Madonna nor saints (he made the sign of the cross), steal anything they can touch, and can sing and tell fortunes.Cunningham added. Some say there are some pretty ones among their women, Guthrie said, but Cunningham knows that best.

Brother, what's wrong with you!Cunningham said, I think, you don't want to speak ill of me, do you? I'm sure I didn't say anything bad about you.Guthrie replied. I hope the guards will cut it off for me, said Cunningham, and you're saying that I, a Scottish gentleman living under the Holy Church, has a lover among these society scum-like heathen women. Don't say that, don't say that, LeBalaffrey interceded, he was just joking about not fighting between partners. Then we shouldn't make such jokes.Cunningham murmured, as if talking to his beard. Besides France, are there any other countries like this?Lindsay asked.

Yes, other countries have them too. They have appeared in droves in Germany, Spain, and England.Le Balafrey replied that, thanks to St. Andrew, Scotland had not been disturbed by them. Scotland is a country too cold for locusts, Cunningham went on, and too poor for thieves to stay there. Perhaps the Scotch Highlanders allow only their own thieves and no other thieves room for development.Guthrie said. I would like to remind you all, said Le Baraffrey, that I am from Mount Angus, and have some noble relations of mine in Glen-Isra, and that I will not suffer any slander against the Highlanders.

You don't deny that they stole livestock, do you?Guthrie said. Stealing a few cows or something is not considered stealing.Le Barafrey said, If you dare to steal cattle, no matter when or how you steal, I will still insist that it is not stealing. You're not ashamed, man, said Cunningham, who's looking for trouble?You shouldn't let the young man hear such unreasonable twists.Well, we have come to the castle.If you will dine in my house, I will offer a jug of good wine, and drink to friendship, to the highlands and lowlands of Scotland. Agreed, said Le Balafrey, and I will also offer a jar of good wine to wash away the inhumanity of the world, and to celebrate my nephew's entry into our guard.

As they approached, the small door opened and the drawbridge lowered.They went in one by one.When Quentin was about to step into the door, the sentinel set up two spears to block his drive and ordered him to stand still. At the same time, the archer drew his bow and the musket guns on the wall were aimed at him. Although the young man was accompanied to the castle by a party of the King's Guard, including the officers who had placed these posts. Le Balafré deliberately stayed with his nephew and made some necessary explanations.After some hesitation and hesitation, the sentry decided to let the young man be escorted by a strong guard to the residence of the Duke of Crawford.

The Scottish nobleman was one of the last survivors of the generation of Scottish nobles who had long served Charles VI loyally in the bloody war that finally drove out the English and won independence from the French crown.As early as in his youth, he fought with Douglas (Note: Scottish nobleman, who led the Scottish army to France to help the French resist British aggression in 1423.) and Buchan, and galloped bravely on Joan of Arc (Note: a 412︱1431, the heroine of France's resistance to British aggression.), may be one of the remnants of the Scottish Knights who fought for the king's emblem of the lily to resist its British enemies.Owing to the changes which had taken place in Scotland, and as he had become accustomed to the climate and customs of France, the aged baron had quite given up the idea of ​​returning to his country, and occupied an important position at King Louis' court.The king admired his frank and sincere character.Though he was generally not apt to trust others' virtue or sense of honor, these qualities he trusted in Crawford, gave him greater authority.Besides, I have never heard of him exceeding his authority to interfere with things that are not his business.

Le Balafrey and Cunningham followed Darwilt and the guards to the prefect's quarters.The dignified appearance of this officer, respected even by proud warriors who looked down upon others, soon made a deep impression on young Davelt. Crawford was tall, but thin with age.Although his muscles have lost the elasticity of his youth, at least his muscles and bones are still strong, and he can still bear the heavy load of armor like a young soldier when he marches on horseback.He looks ugly.There are scars on the face that has been exposed to the wind and sun.There was an expression in his eyes that he regarded death as home after thirty fierce battles.But what is on display here is a calm attitude to danger, not a mercenary's ferocious human courage.His tall, erect figure was wrapped in a loose robe.A yellow leather belt is tied around the waist, and a large knife with an ornate handle hangs on it.Around the neck is the collar and coat of arms of the Order of Saint Michel.At this time, with a pair of spectacles (which had just been invented at the time) on his nose, he was sitting on a couch covered with buckskin, concentrating on reading a large manuscript called "War Chronicle".This is a tome on military strategy and domestic policy compiled by King Louis for the Dauphin.He was eager to seek the advice of the experienced Scotch warrior on the book.

Seeing these uninvited guests come in, Crawford put the book aside angrily, and said in a heavy Scottish accent: Who knows what they want me for? Le Balafrey gave King Louis a detailed account of his nephew's present situation with a respect which he might not have shown, and humbly begged him for protection.Grand Duke Crawford listened to him carefully.He could not help laughing at the naivety of young Darwilt's interrogation of hanged criminals, but shook his head after hearing their account of the conflict between the Scottish archer and the Martial-General. (Original note: Disputes of this kind frequently arise between the governing bodies of the Scots Guards and regular troops. In 1474 two Scots were accused of robbing a fishmonger named John Bansalter of a large sum. was arrested by Judge-Marshal Philippe du Four and his entourage. But before they had time to put one of them, Mortimer, in Chastale prison, the prisoner was rescued by surprise attack by two Scotch Guardsmen. out. See Jean de Troyer's Almanac, 1474.) Why do you keep telling me to deal with such unfortunate things?How many times have I told you, especially you Ludvik.Leslie and you Archie.Cunningham, if you don't want the whole town to turn against you, you foreign soldiers have to be modest and courteous to your own people.However, if you insist on having conflicts, it's better to fight with that idiot director than with others.Ludvik, for the trouble you caused this time, I can't blame you as you did in the past, because it is natural and kind to help one's young relatives.Besides, this innocent doll deserved no misfortune.You just take down that guard book on the shelf, and let's put his name on it, so he can enjoy his privileges. My lord, listen to me when Darwilt speaks. This kid is crazy!cried his uncle, startled, and addressed his excellency without asking first. Be patient, Ludwick, said Crawford, and let's hear what the doll has to say. If adults are willing to listen, I have a point to explain.Quentin said, I once said to my uncle that I hesitated to join this guard, but I saw that you, a noble and experienced officer, will lead me, and my hesitation was completely eliminated, because you have a majestic attitude. look. You are right, my doll, said the old man, who was not indifferent to this compliment, I have some experience in the service and command.I hope, by the grace of God, that I may have some benefit in doing so.Quentin, you shall serve under him as your uncle's squire in our honorable Scottish Guards.I'm sure you'll do a great job.If your courage matches your appearance, you'll make a good samurai.Besides, you are also from a famous family.Ludvik, you've got to get your nephew to practice hard, because one day we're going to be at war. My lord, at the level of my knife, I'm glad to have the chance to fight war and peace would make cowards of us all.Shut up all day in this hideous dungeon-like castle, I myself feel a little languid. Well, let me tell you what I heard, Grand Duke Crawford continued, our ancient battle flags will once again fly on the battlefield. I'm going to drink some more wine tonight to celebrate the good news.LeBalaffrey said. I think any news can make you drink a few glasses.Crawford said, Ludvik, I'm afraid you'll drink your own bitters one day. Leslie replied a little sheepishly: I haven't had a drink in days.However, your lordship knows, it is customary for us guards to have a drink for the health of our newcomers. You are quite right, said the old Captain of the Guards, I forgot about it.I'd like to send you some jugs of wine to cheer you up.But you've got to finish before dark.Be careful not to count the sentries on guard with you.None of them may participate more or less in your indulgence. We will follow the rules and obey our lord's orders, Ludwijk said, and we will not forget to drink to your health. Maybe I'll go and see for myself when you're having a feast just to see if everything's in order. Adults will be warmly welcomed.Ludwick said.By this time the men all came out cheerfully to prepare for their military banquet.Leslie invited a dozen or so companions who often dined with them. Military banquets are generally held hastily and impromptu.Anyway, as long as you can get enough wine and meat.But for the sake of the current situation, Ludvik was busy trying to get better wine than usual.He said old Duke Crawford must be the most drinkable of them all, though he warned them not to get drunk, even after he had honestly drunk as much wine as he could get his hands on at the royal table. Wouldn't pass up a great opportunity to snack on a wine jug.So, boys, he said, you gotta get ready to hear his story of Villenoy and Beauge. (Original Note: In these two battles, the French Scottish mercenaries under the leadership of Stuart, Earl of Burchan, performed prominently. At Beauge they won the victory, killing Henry V's brother, the Duke of Clarence, routed his army. At Vilnoy they were defeated and nearly annihilated.) They quickly arranged a Gothic house in which they usually met, and sent out their horses to gather green rushes for the floor, and spread the battle flags of the Scottish Guards and the banners captured from the enemy on the table. , hang on the wall as decoration. The next step is to equip the young recruit as quickly as possible with the clothes and arms of the Guards, so that he may appear in every respect worthy to share in the important privileges of the Guards; The Power and Discontent of the Judge Martial Although his discontent is formidable, he is never lenient in his use of power. The atmosphere of the banquet was extremely joyous.The guests showed their national pride heartily at the sight of a recruit from their beloved homeland being accepted into their ranks.They sang old Scottish folk songs and told old legends in praise of Scottish heroes, recalling the deeds of their ancestors and the circumstances that created them.For a moment the fertile plains of Touraine seemed to have become the barren mountains of Scotland. While their enthusiasm was running high, and everyone was vying for something to say to remind everyone of their hometown better, the presence of Lord Crawford gave new life to the enthusiasm.As Le Baraffrey had predicted, Crawford sat on pins and needles at the imperial table, slipping out at every opportunity to join his fellow-citizens' feasts.People have already reserved an honorary seat for him.According to contemporary customs and the system of the Guard, since the members of the Guard (or privates as we now call them) are regarded as nobles by virtue of their birth, the captain may not violate the etiquette even though he belongs to the commander under the king and the viceroy. He could dine at their table without hesitation; if he wanted, he could join in their festivities without detracting from the dignity of his commanding officer. However, Lord Crawford declined the seat reserved for him this time, and told them to just entertain you, while he stood and watched them drinking and having fun, with a seemingly very happy expression on his face. Let him go, Cunningham whispered to the noble captain after Lindsay offered his drink, let him go, don't drive the cattle to drink water, let him drink it himself. The old nobleman smiled first, then shook his head, and put the undrinked wine glass in front of him.But he took a sip absent-mindedly, and it occurred to him, with good fortune, that it would be inauspicious if he did not drink to the health of the fine lad who joined their ranks today.He offered to toast him.As might be guessed, his toast was greeted with cheers.The old captain then told everyone that he had reported the events of the day to Master Oliver, and had taken his protection.Since the man who shaves the chin doesn't like the man who strangles his neck, he and I managed to get a pardon from the king ordering the Attorney-General not to use any excuse against Quentin.Darwilt takes action and must respect the Scots Guard's prerogatives in all circumstances. Another burst of cheers broke out.Everyone filled up the wine again, only to see the froth of wine glistening on the rim of the glass.The health of the noble Lord Crawford, who bravely defended the rights of his fellow men, was toasted.The old Grand Duke had no choice but to thank him politely, and slipped into the chair prepared for him without thinking.Then he called Quentin, stood beside him, and asked him a series of questions about Scotland and the state of its noble families, which left the young man at a loss as to what to answer.During the interrogation, the kindly Grand Duke occasionally kissed the wine glass, and expressed his opinion that although a gentleman in Scotland should be sociable, a young man like Quentin should be careful not to go too far.He said a lot of nice things about it, but his tongue, which was praising temperance, began to make some kind of muffled sound than usual.With every bottle they drank, the soldierly boldness rose.Cunningham then invited them to toast the successful hoisting of the Flame, the royal ensign of France. Plus the Burgundy breeze blows for it!Lindsay agreed. Children, although I am physically weary, I would like to agree to this toast with all my heart.Grand Duke Crawford also echoed, even though I am old, I believe I can still see it fluttering.Listen to me, my friends, (then wine has made him more talkative) You are all faithful servants of the King of France, I should tell you that Charles, the Duke of Burgundy, sent an envoy and brought a protest letter. I saw Earl Krevig's carriage and entourage, and another visitor said they were staying at the inn beyond the mulberry wood.They said the king would not ask him to live in the castle. May God give him an embarrassing answer!But what exactly is he protesting, Guthrie said? There were already many disputes over the frontier, said the Duke of Crawford, and recently added the king's grant of asylum to a noblewoman from Burgundy.It was a countess who had escaped from Dijon.The duke is her guardian.He insisted that she marry his favorite, Kang Bo.basso. My lord, did she really escape here alone?Lindsay asked. No, not quite alone.She had come with her aunt, an old countess.My aunt obeyed her wishes in this matter. Since the king was sovereign over the duke, said Cunningham, would he have intervened between the duke and his protégé?You know, what Charles had over his protégés was what the King would have over the heiress of Burgundy in the event of Charles' death. The King will act on the principle of tactics, as he always does; and you know, continued Crawford, that he did not receive these two ladies in public, nor put them under the protection of his daughters, Mademoiselle Beaujou or Princess Jeanne. Down.He will definitely handle it according to the situation.The king is our lord, but I can say without treason that he can play double-handedly with any king in Christendom. The Duke of Burgundy does not know how to play double-faced.Cunningham said. You are quite right, replied the old nobleman, so there is likely to be some trouble between them. Well, here's to St. Andrew's for fueling this feud!Le Barafrey said that people predicted ten or twenty years ago that I would make our family prosperous through marriage.Who knows what good things may happen when we fight for honor and lady's love, as in the old love poems? Such a big groove on your face, what kind of lady's love is worthy of talking about it!Guthrie said. It would be better not to be in love with a bohemian pagan woman than to be in love.Le Balafrey retorted. Shut up, fellows, said the Duke of Crawford, don't fight, don't make jokes, don't make sarcasm, we're all friends.As for the lady, she's too rich to fall in love with a poor Scottish nobleman, or I'd be putting my eighty (or almost) age on the line.Let's do a toast to her, though, because she's said to be a beacon of beauty. I think I've seen her, said another soldier, I've seen her this morning when I was on guard at the inner walls.She looked more like a black lantern than a lamp, though, for she and the other woman had been carried into the castle in closed litters. I'm so ashamed of you!Arnott!Grand Duke Crawford said, You know, sentries are not allowed to tell what they see.And besides, he added after a moment's pause, when his own curiosity had overtaken the sense of discipline he thought it necessary to emphasize, how could it be that this Isabel?De.Where is the Countess Croier? My lord, I don't know, Arnott replied, I only know this: my horse was pulling my horse for a walk on the road to the village, and I met the bearer Dogan who was taking the sedan chair back to the hotel, because the sedan chair was Borrowed it from a fellow in Mulberry Grove, I mean the owner of the Lily Inn.Dogan and that Sandor.Steed was an old acquaintance, so he offered him a drink, which the man was of course happy to oblige Needless to say, needless to say, said old Crawford, gentlemen, this is something I wish to be corrected among you.Your grooms, horses, and footmen, what we in Scotland call pawns, are willing to have a drink with other people. This is dangerous in war, and must be corrected.Andrew.Arnott, you've talked enough, let's end it with a glass of wine; as the Highlanders say, talk less and drink more.This is a wonderful Celtic saying for Chloe.Countess Isabel cheers, may she get a Bicombo.Better husband for Basso, for he's a vile Italian scoundrel!Andrew.Arnott, what did the bearer say to your footman? He was revealing a secret, if your lordship would listen, continued Arnott, who said that the two women he had brought into the castle not long ago in tightly closed sedan chairs were ladies of high rank.They had been living secretly in his master's house for several days.More than once the king visited them privately, and gave them great honors.According to him, they hid in the castle because they were afraid of seeing Count Krevig, the envoy of the Duke of Burgundy.An advance messenger has just announced his imminent arrival. Hey Andrew, are you telling me?If so, said Guthrie, I swear it was the countess who sang to the harp as I walked through the inner courtyard just now, from a bay window in the Dauphin's tower.Such a beautiful singing voice has never been heard in Plessy Castle in the Royal Garden.To be honest, I thought it was the fairy Mei Lucerne (Note: A fairy with money and power in French folklore.) playing the piano and singing.I stand and listen even though I know you're getting impatient with the table, I'm still standing and listening, like Like a donkey, Jonny.Guthrie.The captain said, your long nose smells the aroma of the banquet, your long ears listen to the music, but your short judgment cannot make you decide which one you like better.listen!Isn't the cathedral ringing the bell for vespers?Surely it's not time yet?The mad deacon had advanced the vespers an hour. The fact is that the clock strikes perfectly!Cunningham said, look over the plain the sun is going down. Why, said the Grand Duke Crawford, is it true?Well, boys, we've got to live by the rules Let's live by the rules Let's have a sage's way Slowly cook the sweet malt To be both pleasurable and wise is our sound motto Let's have another drink to the happiness of Scotland position. After drinking the last glass of wine before breaking up, the partners returned to their respective posts.The majestic old Baron took Le Barafrey's arm, pretending to be telling him how to receive his nephew, but in fact he was probably worried that his reserved steps would appear unsteady in the eyes of everyone, and thus would not be suitable for his status. and authority.He had a solemn expression on his face as he walked across the two courtyards between his house and the banquet hall.When they parted he gave Ludvik very solemn orders to keep his nephew in check, especially with regard to women and wine. After all, not a single word they had said about the beautiful Countess Isabel was ignored by young Darwilt.As soon as he was led into the cottage where he was to share with his uncle's page, he brooded in his new humble abode.It is not difficult for the reader to guess that the young warrior is building a wonderful romantic palace, based on the assumption that the girl from the tower whose song enchanted him and the beautiful maid who served Monsieur Pierre were the rich and powerful Countess, Isabelle, who fled to France in order to escape from her despicable fiancé, who was a favorite of her guardian who abused feudal authority to oppress her.The memory of Monsieur Pierre interspersed in Quentin's dream.He thought of the officer from whom he had managed to escape, and over whom Monsieur Pierre seemed to have great authority.The young man's musings had been respected by his roommate, Wilharpa, until finally his uncle came in to interrupt his train of thought.His uncle ordered him to bed, so that he could rise in time in the morning, and accompany him to the antechamber of the king's quarters, and be on duty with his five companions.