The White Company · Chapter
How Alleyne Won His Place in an Honorable Guild explained
Alleyne and Ford find themselves among a group of English squires in the outer hall while the prince's council meets.
What happens
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 tousling his hair. Alleyne responds by throwing his glove in Tranter's face, challenging him to a duel. Despite attempts at peacemaking, the two fight with swords by the Garonne. Alleyne's sword is broken in the notch of Tranter's heavier blade, but he has shown courage and skill, earning the respect of the onlookers.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Honor
Alleyne's challenge and duel embody the chivalric ideal of defending one's honor, even against a stronger opponent, and the squires' code of testing newcomers.
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The group of squires gathers to witness and comment on the duel, with some attempting to mediate, reflecting the bonds and rivalries among Englishmen abroad.
Characters to notice
- Alleyne Edricson
Provoked by John Tranter, Alleyne throws his glove in challenge and fights a duel, showing courage and skill despite being outmatched in weaponry.
- Walter Ford of Botley
Alleyne's companion, who offers witty retorts and supports Alleyne during the quarrel, offering his own sword for the duel.
- John Tranter
The burly squire who insults and provokes Alleyne, leading to a sword fight; he is a noted swordsman with a heavy two-handed sword.
- John Norbury
Sir Oliver's silent attendant who warns Alleyne about Tranter's reputation and tries to counsel him to avoid the fight.
- Roger Harcomb
A tall squire who attempts to make peace between Alleyne and Tranter, acknowledging Alleyne's proper spirit.
Key passages
“‘I take it,’ said Ford, ‘that it is much as it was when you were there last, save that perchance there is a little less noise there.’ ‘And why less noise, young Solomon?’ ‘Ah, that is for your wit to discover.’”
Ford wryly suggests that England is quieter because the squires themselves are no longer there to cause a ruckus.
Ford's clever retort deflects the squires' teasing and establishes his quick wit.
“‘He would say, “Sir, I should take it as an honor to do some small deed of arms against you, not for mine own glory or advancement, but rather for the fame of my lady and for the upholding of chivalry.” Then he would draw his glove, thus, and throw it on the ground; or, if he had cause to think that he had to deal with a churl, he might throw it in his face—as I do now!’”
Alleyne describes the proper chivalric method of issuing a challenge, then throws his glove in Tranter's face to show he considers him a churl.
Alleyne's speech contrasts ideal chivalric conduct with the rough treatment he received, justifying his aggressive response.
“‘It is our custom, young sir, when new squires come amongst us from England, to test them in some such way. Bethink you that if a man have a destrier or a new lance he will ever try it in time of peace, lest in days of need it may fail him.’”
Roger Harcomb explains that the hazing of newcomers is a tradition to prove their mettle, like testing a horse or lance before battle.
This rationalizes the conflict as part of the squires' informal initiation, framing the duel as a test of character.