Chapter 13: The Imperial Council Meeting

This vast Franco-Bohemian allied army had been marching for several days on a long campaign. Foreign allies and native troops continually joined their ranks, swelling the army’s size ever larger. Yet King Philip VI displayed extreme indecision and hesitation in both marching and battle.

The reason was clear: relentless news arrived like a gathering storm, suffocating in its weight. Edward III had secured formidable support from the Flemish arquebusiers, as well as noble mercenaries from Hainaut, Brabant, and Jülich. His forces grew like a snowball rolling downhill, already surpassing the allied army led by Philip VI.

This grim reality weighed heavily upon Philip VI’s shoulders, rendering every step of the allied army cautious and deliberate. After reaching the outskirts of the city of Tournai, the massive army halted once more.

Amid this colossal host stood Carlo, filled with awe and deep reflection. He fully grasped the immense scale of medieval warfare; both sides were like titans, each assembling staggering armies that seemed intent on engulfing the entire world in their conflict.

“Will France lose again this time? I must be careful to avoid battle,” Carlo thought silently, having heard that the English army was even larger. Rumors of the Flemish arquebusiers numbered as many as 150,000, or at least 120,000—an astonishing force now taking part in the siege.

“I am but a humble knight’s squire. How can I preserve myself in such a grand war?” Carlo’s heart swelled with conflicting emotions: fear of the brutal reality of war, yet a sense of duty and responsibility as a knight’s squire. He knew escape was impossible, yet the unknown battlefield filled him with dread.

Within the Saint Andrew’s Abbey, the French royal council gathered to debate the situation fiercely. The chamber was heavy with tension and gloom. Two Franciscan friars were brought before the council members, having braved great dangers to cross the besiegers’ lines, bearing a letter from the commander of the garrison.

It was a letter from Count Gaston of Foix addressed to King Philip VI of France:

“Most esteemed King Philip of France, I, Gaston, Count of Foix, under your command, led 3,000 soldiers on July 23rd to support the city of Tournai, taking actual control of its forces. The garrison numbers over 5,800, with two-thirds of the knights heavily armored cavalry, and the remainder Pyrenean infantry.

Tournai’s defenses are excellent, with a ring wall approximately one league in circumference, guarded by 74 towers. Facing the English allied siege, I organized both troops and citizens in valiant resistance, achieving many victories, even killing the English Bishop of Berghes.

Yet, Tournai remains besieged, having lost all outlying positions and suburbs, exhausting many men, horses, and supplies. The English allied force continues to grow, now confirmed to exceed 100,000.

Most honored King Philip, I earnestly implore you to send aid swiftly; Tournai’s plight grows ever more desperate.

Your faithful vassal, Gaston, Count of Foix.”

The council debated two possible strategies: first, for the main French army to invade and ravage Flanders, overthrowing the Van Artevelde regime and possibly drawing Flemish troops away from Tournai; or second, to march directly to Tournai and break the siege.

At this moment, Louis, Count of Nevers and a Flemish noble, fully understood the grave consequences of a French invasion of Flanders. Rising resolutely, his voice fervent, he addressed the council:

“Gentlemen, I oppose the first policy. We must not invade Flanders.

Though some ambitious men have deceived the peasants into rebellion, they remain my subjects, your Majesty’s subjects, and the people of France!

Even among our great army are many Flemish nobles, knights, soldiers, and common farmers in service.

Can we truly distinguish among those on Flemish soil who are our supporters, who are enemies, and who are merely deceived peasants?

Van Artevelde’s regime is unlawful, but most rebels are either misled or coerced; our true enemies are few.

Our primary goal is to defeat the villain Edward!

To overthrow Van Artevelde’s illegal regime!

What would we gain by invading Flanders?

If our army invades and plunders there, will the Flemish within our ranks still recognize me, recognize your Majesty, and recognize France?

Is a Flanders wholly turned to England what you wish to see, gentlemen?”

Louis’s words struck the chamber like thunder, and a brief silence fell.

Then Philip VI spoke: “Louis of Nevers, do not be hasty. What you say reflects my own thoughts. I fully agree—our aim is Edward and Van Artevelde.”

He then commanded the council: “By royal decree, the army shall march immediately to Tournai to deal with that contemptible Edward.”

The two Franciscan friars hurried back to Tournai with the council’s decision.

Yet it took no less than five weeks to move the army to Lille.

Philip VI learned that the English allied forces had suffered heavy losses in the siege, and that the German noble contingents had not been sufficiently rewarded.

Signs of disintegration appeared within the English alliance—an undeniable reality he could not ignore.

He weighed pros and cons constantly, delaying the march.

Moreover, France entered prolonged negotiations with Van Artevelde’s representatives from Flanders’ three major towns.

The Flemish, fearing reprisal, sought terms for peace.

However, these talks bore no substantial fruit, only further postponing Philip’s departure.

When he finally arrived at Tournai in the third week of August, new peace overtures came—this time from Edward himself.

But the message was clearly insincere, and the army’s advance was delayed once more.

Whether due to advancing age dimming his ambition, or sheer caution, Philip seemed deeply troubled by the prospect of decisive battle, striving to avoid it.

On September 7, 1340, the French army finally entered Béthune, a small village ten miles west of Tournai.

Béthune was little more than a hamlet, near which a narrow stone bridge spanned the Scarpe River.

An ancient Roman road ran east-west, connecting Tournai and Estaires, passing through here. On both banks, impassable marshes extended from the river’s edge.

Philip VI ordered the entire army to encamp behind this natural, insurmountable barrier.