The Scottish Expedition

The Last Duel

The campaign exposes Jean to the failures of coalition warfare and returns him home weakened just before the events that define his life.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

An Expedition for Advancement

An Expedition for Advancement A chance to recover status Jean joins the expedition hoping to profit from English losses and gain recognition. He assembles a troop and secures release from regular service to Count Pierre. A family left behind Before departing, he leaves Marguerite at Fontaine-le-Sorel. The separation makes her safety dependent on relatives and servants rather than her husband.

A Difficult Alliance A Difficult Alliance from "The Last Duel". A Difficult Alliance A strained welcome French forces arrive in Scotland, but the Scots resist foreign leadership and King Robert demands payment before…

A Difficult Alliance from "The Last Duel". A Difficult Alliance A strained welcome French forces arrive in Scotland, but the Scots resist foreign leadership and King Robert demands payment before…

A Difficult Alliance A strained welcome French forces arrive in Scotland, but the Scots resist foreign leadership and King Robert demands payment before campaigning. The alliance begins with mistrust. A fragile campaign French plans depend on cooperation that is never secure. The expedition’s political design is more ambitious than its practical unity.

The Siege of Wark The Siege of Wark from "The Last Duel". The Siege of Wark An English stronghold The French and Scots attack Castle Wark with ladders and crossbow fire.

The Siege of Wark from "The Last Duel". The Siege of Wark An English stronghold The French and Scots attack Castle Wark with ladders and crossbow fire.

The Siege of Wark An English stronghold The French and Scots attack Castle Wark with ladders and crossbow fire. The defenders resist from fortified walls, while the attackers lack heavy siege equipment. A costly success The invaders eventually take and burn the castle, but cannot hold it. The action illustrates the campaign’s destructive pattern of raids rather than lasting conquest.

Retreat and Losses Retreat and Losses from "The Last Duel". Retreat and Losses Failed cooperation The Scots avoid a decisive battle and the French conduct further raids, then face Hotspur’s attack during their retreat.

Retreat and Losses from "The Last Duel". Retreat and Losses Failed cooperation The Scots avoid a decisive battle and the French conduct further raids, then face Hotspur’s attack during their retreat.

Retreat and Losses Failed cooperation The Scots avoid a decisive battle and the French conduct further raids, then face Hotspur’s attack during their retreat. The coalition never achieves its strategic purpose. A diminished company Jean loses five of the nine squires under his command. The campaign’s human cost follows him back to Normandy.

Home in Winter Home in Winter from "The Last Duel". Home in Winter A poor return Jean comes back sick, in debt, and without the plunder he expected. His knighthood is the expedition’s most durable reward.

Home in Winter from "The Last Duel". Home in Winter A poor return Jean comes back sick, in debt, and without the plunder he expected. His knighthood is the expedition’s most durable reward.

Home in Winter A poor return Jean comes back sick, in debt, and without the plunder he expected. His knighthood is the expedition’s most durable reward. The next crisis approaches He retrieves Marguerite and takes her to visit Nicole at Capomesnil. His weakened condition and financial pressure precede the accusation that will overtake all other concerns.

Spring 1385

May–July 1385

Summer 1385

September–October 1385

December 1385