unded in the chest, but it would not be fatal. Before she entered into war, she boldly ordered the King of England to withdraw his troops from French soil. The English commanders and the King were greatly angered that Joan, this little religious peasant girl, would have the audacity to order them to do anything. She then proceeded with war. Within eight days French troop had surrounded the city of Orleans, capturing all the forts that were around it. Joan was wounded with an arrow in the chest, thus fulfilling her prophecy. However, she continued to push onward. She began a short campaign at Loire, and which after a series of successes it ended with a superb victory at Patay. Joans victories had opened the way to the Reims, where on Sunday, July 17, 1429, Charles VII was crowned officially. Joans principle mission thus was fulfilled; many feel as if Joan wanted to this return to her home, however she was detained from now returning home by the army. At the end of August, an attempt for the city of Paris was made. Joan was encouraging her men to fill the moat, and was shot through the thigh with a crossbow. The Ducd Alencon removed her at once and the assault was abandoned. Because of this retreat Joans prestige was slightly marred. Charles counselors thus signed a truce with the Duke of Burgundy. Joan had to sadly lay down arms upon the altar of St. Denis. It wasnt until about eight months later that Joan was able to take the field again because the treaty was officially over. Her voices once again came and told her that she was going to be taken prisoner before Midsummer Day. This prediction was not long in forthcoming either. On May 24, 1430, they were defending the town against Burgundian attack, and her small force of merely 500 men was greatly outnumbered. By some mistake or panic of Guillaume de Flavy, who commanded in Compiegne, the drawbridge was raised while many, including Joan, were left outside. She was ...
