# How the Company Made Sport in the Vale of Pampeluna explained — The White Company

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

## What happens

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 challenges the English longbowmen to a contest. Johnston wins honor for the Company by shooting both a falcon and a stork with two rapid arrows, proving the longbow's speed over the arbalest.

## Themes in this chapter

### Camaraderie and Brotherhood

The archers cheer and support Johnston, celebrating his skill as a shared victory for the Company.

### War and Violence

The archery contest is a martial display, with talk of past battles and the deadly use of bows in war.

### English National Identity

The English archers take pride in their longbow tradition, contrasting it with the crossbow of foreign mercenaries.

## Character check-ins

### Johnston

Old bowman who wins the archery contest against the Brabanter crossbowman, shooting both a falcon and a stork.

### Samkin Aylward

Archer who encourages Johnston and celebrates his victory.

### Black Simon of Norwich

Spearman who wagers on the longbow and observes the contest.

## Key lines

> Loose it easy, steady, and yet sharp

Release the arrow smoothly and firmly.

_Aylward instructs a young archer on proper shooting technique._

> I have seen good shooting with the prod and with the latch, but, by my hilt! camarade, with all respect to you and to your bow, I think that is but a woman's weapon

I've seen skilled crossbow shooting, but I consider it a weak weapon compared to the longbow.

_Aylward dismisses the crossbow as inferior to the longbow._

> It is a pretty piece of yew, and well strung

This is a fine longbow, well made and ready for use.

_Johnston praises the bow after his successful shots._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters/xxxiv-how-the-company-made-sport-in-the-vale-of-pampeluna
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_white_company_se/chapters