# The White Company — Chapters explained

> Chapter companions for The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle.

- [Dedication](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/dedication.md): The author dedicates the book to the hope of the future reunion of the English-speaking races, presenting this chronicle of their common ancestry.
- [The White Company](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/the-white-company.md): The chapter introduces the formation of the White Company, a band of archers and men-at-arms led by Sir Nigel Loring, as they gather at the Pied Merlin Inn and set forth on their journey to France. Alleyne Edricson, rece
- [How the Black Sheep Came Forth from the Fold](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/i-how-the-black-sheep-came-forth-from-the-fold.md): The great bell of Beaulieu Abbey summons all monks back to the cloisters for an urgent assembly. Abbot Berghersh presides over a disciplinary hearing in which Brother Ambrose accuses the novice John of three counts. When
- [How Alleyne Edricson Came Out Into the World](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/ii-how-alleyne-edricson-came-out-into-the-world.md): Alleyne Edricson, a young man raised in Beaulieu Abbey, prepares to leave the monastery at age twenty as per his father's dying wish. He receives a blessing from Abbot Berghersh, who quizzes him on his education and worl
- [How Hordle John Cozened the Fuller of Lymington](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/iii-how-hordle-john-cozened-the-fuller-of-lymington.md): Alleyne Edricson, on his journey from Beaulieu Abbey to Minstead, encounters a series of comic misadventures involving the roguish Hordle John. First, he meets Peter the Fuller, who has been tricked by John into exchangi
- [How the Bailiff of Southampton Slew the Two Masterless Men](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/iv-how-the-bailiff-of-southampton-slew-the-two-masterless-men.md): Alleyne continues his journey and encounters various wayfarers, including a deceitful friar, a quarreling chapman and his wife, and two tumblers who perform acrobatics. He then witnesses the bailiff of Southampton and hi
- [How a Strange Company Gathered at the Pied Merlin](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/v-how-a-strange-company-gathered-at-the-pied-merlin.md): Alleyne Edricson, newly arrived at the Pied Merlin inn, observes a diverse and quarrelsome group of wayfarers. He is reunited with his former cloister companion Hordle John, who has left the monastery. The company debate
- [How Samkin Aylward Wagered His Featherbed](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/vi-how-samkin-aylward-wagered-his-featherbed.md): Samkin Aylward, a seasoned English archer fresh from the French wars, arrives at the Pied Merlin inn with six bearers carrying plundered goods. He boasts of his exploits and challenges the patrons to join him in France. 
- [How the Three Comrades Journeyed Through the Woodlands](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/vii-how-the-three-comrades-journeyed-through-the-woodlands.md): Alleyne, Hordle John, and Samkin Aylward travel through the forest, discussing faith, sin, and the nature of true knighthood. Aylward recounts his experiences with the White Company and Pope Urban, while Alleyne defends 
- [The Three Friends](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/viii-the-three-friends.md): Alleyne Edricson, having finished his morning prayers, catches up with his companions Hordle John and Samkin Aylward. They encounter a roadside cottage where two young boys are training their left arms to hold a bow stea
- [IX: How Strange Things Befell in Minstead Wood](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/ix-how-strange-things-befell-in-minstead-wood.md): Alleyne Edricson encounters his estranged brother, the Socman of Minstead, while defending a woman from his advances. After a tense confrontation, Alleyne learns the woman is of noble birth and that the Socman has been p
- [How Hordle John Found a Man Whom He Might Follow](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/x-how-hordle-john-found-a-man-whom-he-might-follow.md): Alleyne, Hordle John, and Sam Aylward arrive at Twynham Castle, where they meet Sir Nigel and Lady Loring. Aylward delivers a letter from Sir Claude Latour, and Sir Nigel learns of the White Company. Hordle John demonstr
- [How a Young Shepherd Had a Perilous Flock](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xi-how-a-young-shepherd-had-a-perilous-flock.md): Alleyne Edricson is offered the position of squire to Sir Nigel Loring and tutor to the Lady Maude. He examines the hall of Castle Twynham, is caught reading a romance by the Lady Maude, and accepts the role.
- [How Alleyne Learned More Than He Could Teach](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xii-how-alleyne-learned-more-than-he-could-teach.md): Alleyne Edricson, having taken service under Sir Nigel Loring, undergoes a profound internal transformation as he compares the cloistered life of Beaulieu Abbey with the vibrant, martial world of Castle Twynham. He train
- [XIII: How the White Company Set Forth to the Wars](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xiii-how-the-white-company-set-forth-to-the-wars.md): The White Company assembles at dawn in the castle bailey, with Sir Nigel Loring bidding farewell to Lady Mary and receiving her glove as a token. Alleyne Edricson shares a tense, emotional parting with Lady Maude, who gi
- [How Sir Nigel Sought for a Wayside Venture](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xiv-how-sir-nigel-sought-for-a-wayside-venture.md): Sir Nigel and his squires encounter a man carrying a severed leg, a blind beggar at a shrine, and Hordle John's mother as they journey through the countryside. Sir Nigel instructs his squires on the pursuit of honor and 
- [How the Yellow Cog Sailed Forth from Lepe](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xv-how-the-yellow-cog-sailed-forth-from-lepe.md): The Yellow Cog departs from Lepe with Sir Nigel Loring, Alleyne Edricson, and the company aboard, pursued by two pirate galleys under Tête-noire and a Genoese captain. Sir Nigel prepares for battle, ordering the crew to 
- [How the Yellow Cog Fought the Two Rover Galleys](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xvi-how-the-yellow-cog-fought-the-two-rover-galleys.md): The Yellow Cog is attacked by two pirate galleys, one Norman and one Genoese. Sir Nigel Loring employs a ruse to lure them close, then unleashes a devastating volley of arrows. A fierce boarding battle ensues, with Sir N
- [How the Yellow Cog Crossed the Bar of Gironde](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xvii-how-the-yellow-cog-crossed-the-bar-of-gironde.md): The Yellow Cog faces a fierce storm as it approaches the Gironde estuary. With a damaged hull and reduced crew, master Goodwin Hawtayne struggles to navigate. Sir Nigel Loring remains preoccupied with heraldic matters, w
- [XVIII: How Sir Nigel Loring Put a Patch Upon His Eye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xviii-how-sir-nigel-loring-put-a-patch-upon-his-eye.md): Sir Nigel Loring, upon landing in Bordeaux, binds a black patch over his left eye as a vow to honor his lady and to perform a deed in Spain. He and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn, accompanied by their squires Alleyne Edricson, F
- [XIX: How There Was Stir at the Abbey of St. Andrew's](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xix-how-there-was-stir-at-the-abbey-of-st-andrew-s.md): Sir Nigel Loring and Sir Oliver Buttesthorn arrive at the Abbey of St. Andrew's, where the Prince of Wales holds court with the exiled kings Pedro of Castile and James of Majorca. Sir John Chandos introduces them to the 
- [How Alleyne Won His Place in an Honorable Guild](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xx-how-alleyne-won-his-place-in-an-honorable-guild.md): Alleyne and Ford find themselves among a group of English squires in the outer hall while the prince's council meets. After some banter, a burly squire named John Tranter provokes Alleyne by insulting him and roughly tou
- [How Agostino Pisano Risked His Head](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxi-how-agostino-pisano-risked-his-head.md): Alleyne and Ford, now squires at the Prince's court in Bordeaux, explore the bustling, dangerous streets at night. They encounter a lame old man and a young girl being harassed by drunken English archers. Alleyne and For
- [XXII: How the Bowmen Held Wassail at the Rose de Guienne](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxii-how-the-bowmen-held-wassail-at-the-rose-de-guienne.md): Alleyne and Ford are drawn into a raucous gathering of archers at the Rose de Guienne tavern, where Aylward regales the company with tales of the Battle of Poitiers and his plundering adventures, while news spreads of an
- [XXIII: How England Held the Lists at Bordeaux](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxiii-how-england-held-the-lists-at-bordeaux.md): The chapter describes the grand tournament held at Bordeaux, where five English knights defend the lists against challengers from across Europe. The event draws a massive crowd, and tensions arise over the selection of c
- [How a Champion Came Forth from the East](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxiv-how-a-champion-came-forth-from-the-east.md): A mysterious French knight challenges the English champions in a jousting tournament before the Prince and his court. He defeats Sir William Beauchamp, Sir Thomas Percy, Lord Audley, and Sir Thomas Wake in rapid successi
- [How Sir Nigel Wrote to Twynham Castle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxv-how-sir-nigel-wrote-to-twynham-castle.md): Sir Nigel Loring struggles to write a letter to his wife, Lady Loring, and enlists Alleyne Edricson to compose a clearer version. Alleyne pens a letter that includes news of Sir Nigel's honor at the joust, their finances
- [How the Three Comrades Gained a Mighty Treasure](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxvi-how-the-three-comrades-gained-a-mighty-treasure.md): Alleyne Edricson, Aylward, and Hordle John set out from Bordeaux to Montaubon to rejoin their company, with Alleyne preoccupied by thoughts of his love for Lady Maude and his conversation with Sir Nigel. Along the way, t
- [XXVII: How Roger Clubfoot Was Passed Into Paradise](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxvii-how-roger-clubfoot-was-passed-into-paradise.md): Sir Nigel, Alleyne, Ford, and Aylward travel toward Villefranche, encountering the Norwich merchant David Micheldene, who seeks protection from the robber-knight Roger Clubfoot. They later find Clubfoot hanged, with a ri
- [XXVIII: How the Comrades Came Over the Marches of France](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxviii-how-the-comrades-came-over-the-marches-of-france.md): Sir Nigel and his company, accompanied by Bertrand du Guesclin and his wife Lady Tiphaine, travel through Auvergne. They stop at an inn where Lady Tiphaine captivates the Englishmen with her talk of chivalry and honor. A
- [How the Blessed Hour of Sight Came to the Lady Tiphaine](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxix-how-the-blessed-hour-of-sight-came-to-the-lady-tiphaine.md): At the Castle of Villefranche, Sir Tristram de Rochefort hosts a feast for Bertrand du Guesclin, Sir Nigel Loring, and their companions. During the meal, the Lady Tiphaine experiences a prophetic vision, revealing a sieg
- [How the Brushwood Men Came to the Château of Villefranche](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxx-how-the-brushwood-men-came-to-the-ch-teau-of-villefranche.md): Alleyne Edricson retires late after attending to Sir Nigel, but is disturbed by Ford, who reports a vision of his beloved Tita. Later, from his window, Alleyne observes dozens of stealthy figures—the brushwood men—creepi
- [How Five Men Held the Keep of Villefranche](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxi-how-five-men-held-the-keep-of-villefranche.md): The party, guided by a French squire, attempts to reach the keep of Villefranche but faces a massive peasant uprising. After a fierce struggle, they secure the keep but are besieged by thousands of peasants and engulfed 
- [How the Company Took Counsel Round the Fallen Tree](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxii-how-the-company-took-counsel-round-the-fallen-tree.md): Sir Nigel Loring and his company, having survived an attack, regroup and debate whether to join the Prince's campaign in Spain or remain in Auvergne for plunder. Sir Claude Latour argues for staying, but Sir Nigel's call
- [How the Army Made the Passage of Roncesvalles](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxiii-how-the-army-made-the-passage-of-roncesvalles.md): The English army, led by the Prince and Sir John Chandos, marches through the perilous Pass of Roncesvalles into Navarre. Sir Nigel Loring grumbles about the lack of honorable combat, lamenting the modern ways of war tha
- [How the Company Made Sport in the Vale of Pampeluna](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxiv-how-the-company-made-sport-in-the-vale-of-pampeluna.md): While the council meets in Pampeluna, the White Company encamps in a neighboring valley and engages in archery practice. Old bowmen Johnston and Aylward critique the younger archers, and a Brabanter crossbowman challenge
- [How Sir Nigel Hawked at an Eagle](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxv-how-sir-nigel-hawked-at-an-eagle.md): Sir Nigel and his company traverse the rugged terrain of Navarre, spy on the Spanish camp, and execute a daring raid to capture a royal figure from the enemy's midst.
- [How Sir Nigel Took the Patch from His Eye](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxvi-how-sir-nigel-took-the-patch-from-his-eye.md): Sir Nigel removes his eye patch, declaring his vow fulfilled after defeating a Spanish knight. News arrives of the Socman of Minstead's death and the siege of Twynham Castle. Alleyne confesses his love for Lady Maude to 
- [How the White Company Came to Be Disbanded](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxvii-how-the-white-company-came-to-be-disbanded.md): The White Company fights a desperate battle against Spanish and Breton forces in a Cantabrian valley. Despite fierce resistance, they suffer heavy losses, including Sir Nigel Loring captured and many men killed. The chap
- [XXXVIII: Of the Homecoming to Hampshire](https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxviii-of-the-homecoming-to-hampshire.md): Alleyne Edricson returns to Hampshire after the war in Spain, having been knighted by the Black Prince. He and Hordle John journey home, where Alleyne learns that Lady Maude Loring, believing him dead, is about to enter 

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