Chapter 31: Tournai’s Predicament

At this moment, Gaston, Count of Foix, was trapped within the city of Tournai, filled with anxiety and helplessness.

Tournai had become an isolated island under siege. The garrison’s size had swelled to a quarter of the city’s population, and the presence of several thousand warhorses had driven the supply situation to a desperate breaking point. The price of grain within the walls had soared to astronomical, jaw-dropping figures. Since the soldiers’ wages did not cover food, they were forced to grit their teeth and spend their meager coin to purchase supplies from the citizens, regardless of how high the prices climbed.

More than once, Gaston had contemplated using ruthless measures against the selfish citizens of Tournai whom he was sworn to protect. Each time the thought flickered through his mind, he struggled with his conscience; after all, he was a nobleman bound by his own principles and dignity. In the end, his conscience and reason caused him to abandon the idea. He understood all too well that in a great city like Tournai, it would take only a dozen disgruntled citizens conspiring with the enemy to easily surrender the walls.

That day, as Gaston sat down to dine with his guards, the table held only a single loaf of bread and one fish. Looking at the meager fare, Gaston’s heart was filled with bitterness. As the Count of Foix, possessing vast and fertile lands in the south of France, he had once lived in abundance. When had he or his soldiers ever endured such suffering? He felt that as a vassal to King Philip, he had already sacrificed too much to defend Tournai. If he, a Count, was reduced to such scarcity, the plight of the other defenders could only be imagined—many were likely struggling on the very edge of starvation.

Gaston calculated in his heart that they could no longer hold out. He decided that at daybreak, he would convene his generals to plan a desperate breakout, aiming to abandon Tournai while his men still possessed the strength to fight their way out.

Just as he was lost in these troubled thoughts, faint cheers began to drift into the city from the south. A military nobleman with an acute sense for the state of war, Gaston was instantly alert. He stood up abruptly and strode out of the room. Though night still cloaked the city, the cheers spread like a wave, gradually awakening the entire city from the darkness. Gaston strained his ears to listen to the cries, and finally, he heard them clearly:

"It is glorious! King Philip's reinforcements have arrived! They bring a thousand of the finest knights and enough grain to feed the city for a lifetime!"

Gaston was shocked, an expression of disbelief crossing his face. Yet, years of military experience told him not to trust rumors blindly at such a critical moment; he had to verify them personally. He turned quickly and shouted to his guards, "Quickly, ready my horse! I must see what is happening."

Then, realizing the importance of the city's defense—fearing this might be an enemy ruse—he quickly ordered his messenger, "You, rouse all the troops immediately. Strengthen the defenses along the walls and gates to prevent a surprise attack at this critical hour. Do not overlook a single corner, do you understand?"

The messenger acknowledged the order and hurried off. Gaston vaulted onto his horse and galloped toward the source of the cheering. Along the way, he saw the townspeople emerging from their homes, their faces radiant with hope; children ran and cheered in the streets as if they had already glimpsed the dawn of victory. A flicker of expectation stirred in Gaston’s heart, though he remained vigilant.

When he reached the vicinity of the city gates, he saw a grand procession approaching. The banners of France fluttered at the front, appearing strikingly vivid under the moonlight. The soldiers looked spirited and vigorous, though curiously, they all kept their armor concealed beneath surcoats. Behind them followed a train of wagons laden with grain. Finally, a smile of relief broke across Gaston’s face.

At that moment, Charles, Count of Alençon, rode forward. "Gaston, Count of Foix, it has been a long time! The kingdom has kept you and Tournai in its heart. I have arrived with the King’s reinforcements and supplies!"

Gaston looked at Charles, his heart filled with emotion. He stepped forward excitedly and gripped Charles’s hand firmly. "Count of Alençon, you have finally arrived! We were truly at the end of our rope here."

Charles patted Gaston’s shoulder. "I understand your hardship, my Lord Count. But all is well now. Together, we shall hold Tournai and surely repel the enemy."

A spark of curiosity and wonder flashed in Gaston’s eyes. "But Charles, how did you manage this? There are over a hundred thousand enemies outside the walls, watching us constantly. That you managed to charge in with elite cavalry is an incredible feat in itself, but how were you able to bring in so many supply wagons? This is nothing short of a miracle!"

Charles smiled. "Come, let me introduce you. This is John, Duke of Brabant. We did not have nearly this much grain, but thanks to this Duke’s supplies, not only did our wagons enter Tournai safely, but they arrived in such vast numbers."

Gaston looked at John in surprise, noting that the Duke’s face was dark, bearing an expression of helpless resignation. John sighed and quipped to Charles, "Charles, you are a formidable man. Not only did you capture me and my personal guard, but you emptied our army’s granaries as well. Congratulations, Charles; congratulations to France. Whether I join your camp or not, it no longer affects the outcome of this war."

Though Gaston’s heart was full of questions, he did not press for answers at that moment. Charles watched them and smiled, thinking of the squire, Carlo, who had devised the plan; he truly was a rare talent. "Very well, John, do not be angry. War is war, and we nobles are still nobles."

Charles then turned to Gaston. "Arrange lodgings for the Duke and his men that befit their status. Give them the best treatment." Gaston nodded and ordered his men to carry out the command.

"Let us go to your quarters," Charles continued, "and discuss the state of Tournai and the war."

The party moved toward Gaston’s residence. Moments later, Charles introduced Resarit and Carlo to the Count of Foix. Gaston looked at the two unfamiliar faces with great curiosity. Charles smiled and said, "Gaston, let me introduce them. This is Resarit, an exceptional knight who has fought and commanded in many battles throughout this war with great valor."