216 Days
Inspired by true events
English King Henry the Fifth has reached a treaty with the king of France, Charlies VI, in May 1420. This Treaty Of Troyes named Henry heir to the French throne, and betrothed him to Charles's daughter, Catherine.
The Treaty of Troyes disinherited the Dauphin, Charles' eldest son. Much of Frances remains loyal to the Dauphin, and resists Henry's tyrannical rule.
Henry's troops have already burned and pillaged much of Western France, turning the French citizens out of their homes and cities, and colonizing them with English citizens.
The Dauphin's last major stronghold, and the only thing standing between Henry and the rest of France, is the city of Meaux.
Meaux is a small garrison, with only 1,000 men. Their job is to halt Henry's advance as long as possible, to allow the Dauphin to escape and slow the progression of Henry's army across France.
Defending Meaux is a suicide mission. Henry has never failed to break a castle, and brings an army of 20,000 English soldiers, four cannons, and siege machines.
The brave men of Meaux shouldn't last a week against Henry's bombardment.
They last 216 days.
This is their story.
This is a complicated historical novel. Everyone has nine different names. Character guide below to avoid any confusion.
French defenders of Meaux
Bastard of Vaurus - Governor of Meaux and possibly constable, in charge of the garrison. Age and family and name unknown, though likely about thirty.
Denis de Vaurus - cousin to the Bastard. No other records exist.
Guy de Nelse - captain of the garrison, no records exist
Louis de Gast - defender of the garrison, no records exist
English Army
King Henry V of England- king of England for nine years. Married to Catherine of Valois. Thirty four or thirty five years old. Known for his ability to break castles, he has not yet lost a siege.
John Holland, Duke of Exeter - Henry's distant cousin, but raised as a brother to Henry, one of Henry's closest friends. Unmarried, about twenty three years old. Known for being cruel and efficient.
Edmund Mortimer, 5th Earl of March - Henry's second cousin, also has a claim to the English throne but has no interest in challenging Henry. One of Henry's close friends. Thoughtful but clever. Married to Anne Stafford.
Arthur - Henry's step-brother. He fought against the English previously, was captured, and reluctantly released. He usually sides with the French. He's in his late twenties.
Richard Courtenay, Bishop of Norwich (Deceased) - called the 'Flower of Devon' he was keeper of the King's purse and one of Henry's closest confidants. He died in 1415 at the siege of Harfleur.
French Court
Charles VI , King of France - aging father of Catherine and the Dauphin, he has had active schizophrenia all his life and is usually incoherent. He has signed the treaty disinheriting his own son and making Henry V his heir. He is fifty one and in ill health.
Isabeau of Bavaria, Queen of France - mother of Catherine and the Dauphin. Cunning and well versed in the french court, she holds her own court and has many affairs, her husband has been unwell their entire married life however she often acts on his behalf.
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Hand in Hand to Hell
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