Les assiègés de Compiègne, 1430

The narrative recounts the 1430 siege of Compiègne, portraying the arrival of a young military leader who leads sorties against the besiegers, the chaotic battle during which she is captured as a raised drawbridge leaves her isolated, and the contested charge of treason aimed at the city's governor who nevertheless continues to defend the walls. Interwoven with the military episodes are vivid scenes of town life — craftsmen, markets, and local personalities such as a gargoyle-sculptor — that evoke daily routines, moral struggles, and conflicting accusations. The work balances dramatic historical action with intimate sketches of community, exploring themes of courage, suspicion, and the cost of war.