The White Company · Chapter
How the Company Took Counsel Round the Fallen Tree explained
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.
What happens
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 to honor and duty persuades most of the archers to follow him to Dax. Thirteen bowmen defect with Latour, while the rest prepare to march.
Themes in this chapter
Camaraderie and Brotherhood
The archers debate their path together, and most choose to follow Sir Nigel out of loyalty and shared honor.
War and Violence
The chapter depicts the aftermath of a skirmish, the threat of further conflict, and the decision to join a major campaign.
Social Mobility and Class
The free companions weigh the lure of plunder and riches against feudal duty, highlighting the tension between class obligations and personal gain.
Characters to notice
- Sir Nigel Loring
Leads the company, calls for honor and duty, decides to march to Dax to join the prince's vanguard.
- Alleyne Edricson
Rides beside Sir Nigel, mourns his friend Ford, and helps recover the company's chargers.
- Hordle John
Vocally opposes Sir Claude Latour's suggestion of a life of robbery, calling it dishonorable.
- Samkin Aylward
Urges the archers to follow Sir Nigel and join the prince, swaying many waverers.
- Claude Latour
Argues against joining the prince, preferring a life of plunder; ultimately leaves with thirteen defectors.
- Johnston
The grizzled bowman who commands the archers, informs Sir Nigel of Sir Claude's camp.
- Sir Bertrand du Guesclin
Departs with his lady after the skirmish, heading to raise French support for Henry of Trastamare.
- Tiphaine du Guesclin
Lady Tiphaine, who had warned of danger, departs with her husband.
Key passages
“I do not think that in all Christendom you will meet with a more stouthearted man or a fairer and sweeter dame.”
Sir Nigel praises Sir Bertrand du Guesclin and his lady as the bravest man and loveliest woman in Christendom.
Sir Nigel expresses admiration for the departing French knight and his wife.
“I know not why the young shoots should be plucked, and an old weed left standing, yet certes there must be some good reason, since God hath so planned it.”
Sir Nigel reflects on the loss of his young squires, accepting it as part of God's plan.
Sir Nigel mourns Ford and the other fallen squire, philosophizing about mortality.
“By my hilt! lads, I think that we could not look the girls in the eyes if we let the prince cross the mountains and did not pull string to clear a path for him.”
Aylward argues that they would be ashamed to face women if they did not fight for the prince.
Aylward uses a sense of honor and shame to persuade the archers to join the campaign.
“I have lived in honor, and in honor I trust that I shall die.”
Sir Nigel declares that he has always lived honorably and hopes to die the same way.
Sir Nigel stakes his leadership on the principle of honor, challenging the archers to follow him.
