chapter 54
Emerging from his hiding place, Griffin appeared before Rémy. "Why have you been watching me?" Rémy questioned, his cautious gaze fixed on Griffin, while a sinister aura of murderous intent still hung over him. "Sir Rémy, I needed to ask you a question, but you were occupied with Miss Jeanne at that moment," Griffin nervously explained, feeling the growing fear in the face of Rémy's monstrous will to take his life, an unpleasant sensation that completely consumed him. "Fine, but why did you hide?" Rémy inquired, taking a step towards Griffin, who instinctively recoiled, fearing the overwhelming power that could be unleashed upon him. "Sir Rémy, as I mentioned, I just didn't want to interrupt. If you saw me, you would surely interrupt your moment with Jeanne," Griffin spoke, closely watching Rémy, his eyes fixed on every movement of the other with extreme caution. "Then why are you so frightened? If the intention was only to avoid interruptions, I ask again: why such anguish?" Rémy questioned with a serious expression, his muscles tensed, ready to unleash an immense force against Griffin at any moment.
"Sir Rémy, it's practically impossible not to feel fear in the presence of someone who has the power to eliminate me in a matter of seconds, if they so desire," confessed Griffin with a lump in his throat, paralyzed in the same spot, not daring to move.
"Leave that aside. Tell me what you wanted right away," Rémy retorted, regaining his serene expression, eagerly awaiting Griffin's response.
"François' request was to know if you would be willing to train with him in archery," Griffin said, still maintaining his caution.
"Just that? Seriously? Inform him that I will do so when it is convenient for me," declared Rémy.
"Alright. Have a good night. And I apologize for the inconvenience," Griffin said, apologizing once again before moving away towards the place where he was about to rest.
Rémy watched Griffin slowly retreating, his gaze fixed on the figure disappearing into the distance. After a few minutes of immobility, immersed in dark and unknown thoughts, Rémy let out a sigh laden with meaning and made the decision to seek Jeanne. Determined, he headed to the room where they rested, carefully opening the door so as not to disturb the silence of the surroundings.
Upon entering the room, Rémy found Jeanne lying down, her delicate body resting on the softness of the sheets. He approached, removing the garments that covered him and lay down beside her. Jeanne, who was already lying down, moved gently and rested her head on Rémy's muscular chest. Her dazzling eyes looked at him with curiosity and tenderness. "What was happening?" Jeanne asked, tilting her face slightly and resting her chin on Rémy's strong chest. A gentle smile appeared on her lips as she anxiously awaited his response. "I found a solution," murmured Rémy, gently caressing Jeanne's hair. That affectionate gesture sparked a gleam in her eyes, a gleam that expressed a combination of relief and gratitude. "Yes, things are being resolved," he affirmed with conviction. From that moment on, Rémy vowed to himself to be extremely cautious and perceptive regarding Griffin.
"What a relief," Jeanne sighed, closing her eyes gently and nestling her face against his chest. She wrapped her arms around Rémy's waist, seeking comfort and security in his embrace. Rémy continued to stroke her hair, his hands sliding tenderly, providing a relaxing and reassuring sensation. It didn't take long for sleep to take hold of Jeanne, leading her into a world of peaceful dreams. Meanwhile, Rémy found solace in her gentle breathing and allowed himself to fall asleep, enveloped in a sense of peace and protection.
It was still the darkness of the night when Rémy opened his eyes, his gaze landing on Jeanne sleeping in his arms. With care and tenderness, he disentangled himself from her embrace, gently laying her on the bed. Rising, he reached for his armor, donning it with determination and agility, while his spear rested by his side. Before leaving, he cast one last glance at Jeanne, a mix of love, concern, and determination reflected in his eyes. The silence of the fortress accompanied him as he made his way to the exit, passing by the guards who, understanding the importance of his mission, allowed him to pass without questioning. Rémy didn't forget to seal the bond with his loyal companion, his horse, mounting it gracefully and setting off towards the location Jeanne had urgently indicated to him.
Jeanne squeezed her own arms, seeking some comfort that eluded her. Gradually, her consciousness emerged, and she realized Rémy's absence by her side in bed. Loneliness invaded her chest, giving way to a mixture of anxiety and determination. With a swift movement, she rose, feeling urgency pulsating in her veins. It was time to act.
Dressing in her armor with skill and determination, Jeanne left the comfort of the room behind. The house seemed silent and empty, echoing the void she felt in her heart. Step by step, she approached the exit, opening the doors firmly. The fresh morning air enveloped her, further awakening her courage and resolve.
Without wasting time, Jeanne headed towards the imposing wall that protected the city of Orleans. Upon arriving there, her gaze met the determined faces of the soldiers. She greeted them all with a nod, conveying her gratitude and confidence in their bravery.
"Miss Jeanne, your knight departed earlier," informed one of the soldiers who had witnessed Rémy's departure towards the south of the Loire River.
Jeanne remained calm, although her heart began to beat faster inside. "Yes, I know. It was my order," she replied, shifting her gaze to the powerful artillery pieces that stood before her. Her mind teemed with strategies and possibilities, aware that the imminent battle demanded careful preparation.
The soldier hesitated for a moment, his face filled with concern. "But... Miss Jeanne, he went alone," he revealed, letting his apprehension slip.
A shiver ran down Jeanne's spine. Her expression of confidence faltered for a moment as uncertainty infiltrated her being. With trembling hands, she held onto the soldier's arms, pleading for confirmation or denial of that worrisome information. The soldier stood frozen, surprised by the audacity and vulnerability of the young warrior. Finally, he nodded, confirming her worst suspicions.
"It's okay. Nothing will happen to him. He has his spear, his valuable battle companion," Jeanne murmured to herself, trying to find comfort in the words. The image of the gleaming spear flashed in her mind, bringing momentary relief as she knew that weapon was Rémy's protection.
"Thank you for informing me. And I apologize for startling you," Jeanne expressed her gratitude and regret to the soldier, her trembling voice revealing the worry that consumed her.
The soldier, observing attentively, noticed the sudden paleness that took hold of Jeanne's face. A genuine fear echoed in her eyes, as if a cold current ran through her body, taking away vital warmth. Concerned, he placed a hand on her shoulder, seeking to convey some comfort.
"Miss, are you alright? Can I call a doctor or get you some water?" the soldier promptly offered, concerned for the health and well-being of the young leader.
Jeanne tried to compose herself, feeling the soldier's hand on her shoulder as a comforting support. She forced a trembling smile, fighting against the weakness that plagued her.
"No, don't worry. Just a momentary scare. I'll be fine. I need to gather my thoughts and make strategic decisions," Jeanne replied, trying to dispel the pallor from her face as she regained the determination that made her a formidable leader.
The soldier nodded with understanding, respecting Jeanne's wishes but remaining attentive to any signs that she might need help. With a brief nod, he returned to his duties, while Jeanne walked away in search of a moment of solitude to gather her strength and face the challenges that lay ahead.
"It's alright," Jeanne murmured to herself, trying to calm the whirlwind of thoughts and concerns that filled her mind. Descending slowly from the imposing wall, she felt a slight tremor running through her body, a result of the tension still enveloping her. Walking toward the well, a point of serenity amidst the soldiers bustling through the city, Jeanne longed for a moment of peace.
Upon reaching the well, the fresh, crystalline water seemed to beckon to her, offering a refreshing pause in her tireless journey. Jeanne bent down and, with trembling hands, immersed them in the water, bringing it to her lips with voracious thirst. Each sip was a renewal for her exhausted soul, a vital energy that revitalized her hopes and determination.
As she delighted in the purity of the water, Jeanne felt a subtle change within herself. The tension began to dissipate, replaced by a sense of inner strength and renewed confidence. Rising slowly, she turned her gaze to the imposing wall that protected the city, as if contemplating the challenge that awaited her.
The soldier who had witnessed her departure pale now watched her return, his eyes fixed on her transformed face. The previous paleness had been replaced by a courageous glow in her eyes. The uncertainty and fear he had perceived were now replaced by unwavering determination. It was as if Jeanne had become an even more powerful version of herself.
Their gazes met, and a moment of mutual understanding passed between them. The soldier felt a patriotic fervor ignite in his chest, renewing his commitment to fight alongside Jeanne for their homeland. He knew that this brave and fearless woman would lead the battle with wisdom and bravery.
With a nod of his head and a smile of admiration, the soldier silently expressed his respect for Jeanne. She had become an inspiring figure, capable of instilling courage in the midst of despair and hope in the face of adversity. Now, more than ever, they were united in their mission to protect and liberate Orleans, ready to face any challenge with relentless determination and an indomitable spirit.
"I want you to inform the other soldiers to start building barriers in all directions around Orleans, completely encircling the city," Jeanne said to the soldier standing atop the wall.
"Yes, ma'am!" the soldier promptly responded, immediately setting off to carry out Jeanne's order.
Jeanne approached other soldiers present on the wall, briefly interrupting their tasks. "I apologize for interrupting what you're doing, but I want you to gather a group of people and start digging trenches near the entrances that lead up here," she requested firmly.
"Yes, ma'am!" The soldier was taken aback by Jeanne's approach, but knowing that everyone in the city should listen to and follow her orders, he readily committed to carrying out the task. Without hesitation, he set off to gather the necessary group and begin digging the trenches, aware of the importance of each action in the defense of the city.
Jeanne watched with determination as the soldiers began to mobilize, bringing her orders to life. With each barrier being erected and each trench being dug, the city of Orleans prepared to face imminent threats. Knowing that the hard work and dedication of those around her were essential to the city's protection and the well-being of its people, Jeanne was filled with gratitude and hope. Together, they were determined to resist and prevail, united under Jeanne's tireless leadership.
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