OK chapter 9! Man, I love writing this story. I also love you guys!

February 17, 1429

This morning, Robert de Baudricourt and the local Priest are paying a visit to the Royer's house. Baudricourt chose Jean de Metz and Bertrand to accompany him, which turned out to give him a gigantic headache. Jean and Bertrand hovered around him like a fog, going on and on and on and on about how good and holy and kind Joan was.

"Please Baudricourt, just send her to Chinon already! By God you're so stubborn!",exclaimed Jean from behind, earning disapproving looks from the Priest.

Baudricourt came to the front steps of the house, and with one foot on the first step, turned back to face them. "Don't you two ever shut up!" His tone was sharp and angry, causing both of them to give distance and became quiet. "Oh, I'm sorry guys...I didn't mean to yell at you like that."

Then Bertrand came forward and said,"It's alright, Buadricourt. It's our fault for pestering you so much." He then glanced at Jean, who nodded.

Baudricourt shook his head incredulously. "I just can't take any chances right now, you know? My reputation is on the line, because of her." His hands formed into fists by his side." I won't tolerate being a laughing stock if I handle this wrong." Then he gestured for them to follow, as he reached for the door and swung it open.

Inside the house

It was another normal day that morning in the Royer's home. Madame Royer sat by the fire spinning and doing needlework. Her focus was intense as she put the needle in and out, in and out, her fingers moving delicately and carefully along.

"Ow",exclaimed Madame Royer when the needle pricked her finger.

"Are you alright, Madame?",called Joan, concerned.

Madame Royer sucked the blood off her finger and wiped it clean on her apron. "I'm fine, sweety. Thank you for asking." She then continued with her work.

Meanwhile, Joan and Scatty were lounging on a couch talking, with Madame Royer occasionally joining in. "So what happened to the thief?", asked Joan to Scatty.

"Oh, I gave him a lesson on why he souldn't steal",answered Scatty as she ran her hand over her twin swords lightly."That was before I turned him over to the authorities."

"Well, I'm proud of you then", said Joan Joan cheerily as she took a sip of water from a cup she was holding.

BAM! The door suddenly flung open, causing Joan and Scatty to spring into action. Scatty bared her twin swords, while Joan stood to her right, sword and aura blazing. Meanwhile, Madame Royer ran and hid in the kitchen. Joan and Scatty were prepared to defend this house with their last breath.

They saw shadowy figures approaching, and only lowered there weapons when they realized that it was just Baudricourt...and Jean and Bertrand and the Priest.

"Baudricourt? What are you doing here?", asked both girls at the same time.

Seeing that they were armed, Baudricourt held up his hands in caution. "Aright, I didn't come here for trouble", he said, glancing at their swords.

Following his gaze, they immediately put away their weapons. "Why did you do that Baudricourt?", asked Joan.

Madame Royer's head poked out in the entrance to the kitchen. "Baudricourt! What's all this that's happening?", she asked surprised.

Baudricourt came farther into house and bowed to Madame Royer. "No need to fear, Madame. I'm only here to see Joan. I highly suggest that you go upstairs until we are done."

Madame Royer gave Joan and Scatty a questioning look, who only shrugged and shook their heads. Slowly and quietly, she went up the stairs and was out of sight.

Once satisfied, Baudricourt then turned back to Joan and Scatty. Jean, Bertrand, and the Priest were already in the house by this time. "OK", he began."First of all, that was for breaking into my castle...And second, we have received news of the battle you predicted, that indeed did occurred on that day."

Joan crossed her arms across her chest. "See? I warned you."

Baudricourt held his hand up and signaled for silence. "Hold on, I'm not finished yet!" Joan nodded in acknowledgement and allowed him to continue. As he talked, he paced slowly back in forth. "Now, ever since that you've predicted that battle, I've been doing some thinking..."

Jean coughed loudly. "Sorry."

Baudricourt's brows furrowed a bit, but soon passed."I've been doing some thinking...and came to the conclusion that there are two possible ways that you could have known that. One would be God, and the other is Satan." Baudricourt suddenly stopped pacing and approached closer to Joan, oblivious to Scathach, who was standing right beside her. "So which one is it?"

The room was dead silent. Then without waiting for an answer, he called out, "Never mind that! We shall soon find out!" Then turning to the Priest, he ordered, "Priest, do your duty!" The Priest meekly nodded before turning his attention to Joan.

He began the exorcism by sprinkling holy water at her. As he did so, he chanted, "In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, amen. I command you spirit, begone from us if you are of evil, or come to us if you are good!"

"What the heck is he doing?", asked Scatty confused.

Baudricourt looked shockingly at her. "Why, what do you think? He's conducting an exorcism! Don't they perform those where you come from?"

Scatty glared at him. "No", she said then turned back to the event at present. Throughout her life on this Earth, Scatty had came in contact with many kinds of civilizations, and witnessed the different acts of exorcisms for each one. Every people told stories of evil and wicked spirits that roam among the living. Possession by an evil spirit was a common sight. Mystical shawmen and wizards and healers in these civilizations held special status in their communities for there alleged ability to communicate with these spirits, as well as to drive them out. This was no different than the others.

They expected for Joan's body to start shaking uncontrollably, and for her to collapse to the floor screaming and moaning...or at least for her to run and fly away from them, as people who are possessed usually do. Instead, it was the complete opposite.

Joan remained calm, and slowly made her way to the Priest. Scatty, Jean, and Bertrand didn't let her out of their sights as she did. She then reverently fell to her knees before him and embraces his cassock(ceremonial robe). The Priest was satisfied and gently placed his hand on her head. Then turning his head to look at Badricourt who was stroking his beard, said, "Sir, there is no evil in this girl. You may use her without fear, and you need to do it soon." He added cautiously.

Jean and Bertrand now turned their gaze to Baudricourt, who stood there deep in thought. Finally, he rested his hand on the pommel of his sword and said, "Thank you, and I'll be sure to consider your advice." That was all. With that, Baudricourt left as abruptly as he entered.

Scatty went over and helped Joan up. The Priest bowed in farewell, and they returned it. "Why, Father? I went to Church everyday, and you've heard my confessions!",asked Joan, obviously hurt that her moral was being questioned like that.

The Priest just shrugged sympathetically. "I don't know, Jeanne. That's just Baudricourt being Baudricourt", he added with a wry smile. Then he took her hand in both of his and said softly, "You're a good girl, Jeanne. May God bless you with good fortune."

"Thank you, Father. May God bless you, also",replied Joan smiling in gratitude.

Then the Priest turned to Scatty, and took her hand in his in turn. "And you, Scathach, Jeanne have told me so much about you."

Scatty looked at Joan and blushed little. The Priest continued by saying, "It pleases me to know that she has a good and loyal friend as you to accompany her on her mission, which I absolutely, without a doubt, know that is from God." He released her hand and took a last look at them before finally leaving, closing the door behind him.

Joan and Scatty stood there for a moment, trying to assess what had just happened. "Well, that was surprising", sighed Joan heavily as she started towards the stairs.

"No kidding!", said Scatty as she went into the kitchen and poured herself some scotch. "At least he didn't blew up the door like you did."

Joan laughed. "I had no choice!", she exclaimed. "Oh, Madame Royer! You can come down now!"

Madame Royer appeared at the top of the stairs and called, "Is he gone? Did Badricourt left?"

"Yes, Madame, he just left."

Madame Royer then descended the stairs and went to the kitchen. "Would you girls like some pork sandwiches for lunch later?", she called.

"Yes!", replied both Joan and Scatty.

Joan let out a stifling yawn. "Well, I'm going to take a quick nap, now", she announced as she began up the stairs.

"OK", said Scatty as she had her hands up, getting ready to catch a fly. "Gotcha!" The remains of the poor fly was now smeared on both of her palms.

"You're so childish, sometimes", commented Joan before disappearing upstairs.

The next week

Many days after that faithful day and nothing decided, the gang was starting to lose hope. Finally, Baudricourt sent for Bertrand and Jean to meet him for dinner. They thought it was strange, but went along with it anyways.

They left their posts with the guards and went to meet with him in his private chambers. When they entered, Baudricourt was already drinking the wine. "Ah, come in, come in! Have a seat."

We reluctantly sat down and he ordered for food to be brought in. "So what now, Baudricourt?", asked Jean impatiently. "Why did you call us here?"

Baudricourt ignored the question and instead, poured wine unto two cups. "Here, partake in some wine. You guys deserve it!"

He slid the cups in front of them, but they didn't take it. "Seriously, Baudricourt. Why are we here?", repeated Bertrand.

Then the servant came in carrying a large silver platter, bearing a large roasted boar. A classic apple was stuffed neatly in its mouth. They watched as the servant set it down on the table. Meanwhile, saliva formed in their mouths and their nostrils flared at the mouth-watering aroma.

Jean and Bertrand was able to shake off the feeling and focused back on the present situation. They demanded an answer. Seeing that he couldn't stall them forever, Baudricourt sighed in frustration and said, "Alright, I'll tell you. Now, the reason I have invited you here tonight...is to tell you my final decision about that Joan girl." He said his world slowly and cautiously, seeing the imminent look of disbelief on Jean and Bertrand's faces.

Though shocked and at the same time, glad, Jean and Bertrand did not show it, but only nodded for him to continue.

"A few weeks ago", he continued,"I wrote a letter to the Dauphin, knowing that this would be far too great for me to decide. So here is the shocking part." He was now leaning at the edge of his seat, legs spread, and a hand resting heavily on his left knee. They could tell that his voice was rising steadily, higher and higher. "Vienne, the royal messenger, had just arrive with a letter...a letter,mind you, written by the Dauphin's very own hands!"

He took another gulp of wine before continuing to speak. "That miserable, scrawny , little coward must be really desperate, for he actually wants to see the girl!" Then he added more lightly, "That is why I am giving you two, the responsibility of taking her to Chinon. I don't care how you do it, just take her out of here, and that red-headed friend of hers, too. There, you got what you wanted. Are you happy now?"

Jean and Bertrand just sat their staring at him, jaws gaping, for they couldn't believe their ears! The bull-headed Baudricourt have finally yielded! Finally...and not surprisingly...they responded by breaking into fits of cheers and whoops and rooting! They could not contain their joy at this fortunate turn of events.

They joyfully took shared in the governor's wine. They toasted his health, and for the start of their brand new adventure! Later that evening, after recovering their balance and composure, they went quickly to the Royer's house, to inform the girls of the news. The frozen dirt crunched beneath our feet as they ran down the dimly lit street. It was already heading towards 10'o clock. Most of the town were already asleep.

When they reached the house, they found the window of the room that Joan and Scatty was staying in. They cupped their hands around their mouths and shouted, "Joan! Scathach! Good news! Baudricourt has finally given us permission to ride to Chinon!"

For a moment, their was only silence, except for the distant barking and howling of dogs. Then the shudders of the window opened, and Jean and Bertrand were met with a face-full of pillows thrown at them. When they looked up, they saw the sleepy figures of Joan and Scatty in the window. Both were wearing white linen night shirts.

"Really?! You're kidding!", exclaimed both of them in unified disbelief.

"Nope. We're not kidding! He finally cracked!", reassured Jean, a broad smile on his face.

Scatty and Joan squealed and hugged each other with excitement. "Thank you, Jean! Bertrand!", called down Joan,"Can you guys be ready to leave tomorrow morning?"

They gave a swift military salute. "Indeed, Joan! We shall see to it!"

"Great!", exclaimed Scatty. "And...um...can you guys toss up the pillows, please?"

They gladly did as told and started towards town, cheering and whooping all the way. The jumped and leaped in the air without a care in the world. Joan and Scatty laughed at their merry antics. Scatty turned to look at Joan and said, "So...it's really happening."

Joan nodded slowly. "Yes, it's really happening", she said with a light smile. "Then so be it. May God's grace be forever with us...always" Joan's eyes fell upon the clear moonlit sky on yonder.

Scatty gently laid a hand on her friend's shoulder, and together they went back to sleep. They had a long journey ahead of them tomorrow. "And I was worried that we might never get out of here!", remarked Scatty relieved.

Midnight, Charles's Castle at Chinon

The storm outside raged and thundered on as Charles, with his body and mind both unable to find any rest, slowly made his way down the dark hall. His only source of light was a small waxen candle. Since he could not find any peace in his bed, Charles cautiously made his way into his private chapel. He needs to get a stone-like burden of his chest, which he knew only God could do.

Charles carefully closed the chapel's door, which gave out a low creak as he did. Once it was closed, the sound of the storm somewhat lessened, and the dark stillness of the sacred place enveloped him. Charles turned around and using his candle which he held with one hand, began to walk along the narrow carpet that went all the way up to the tabernacle. There,he placed the candle on top of a short stone pillar, and fell to his knees before it

Charles dropped his head and held his hands together, before praying silently to himself:

Dear Lord God...I, Charles VII, your devout worshiper am praying to you from the very depths of my heart and soul. It is my wish and hope that if I am not my father's son and rightful heir to the crown, that You be merciful and allow me to escape to one of France's allies, such as Spain or Scotland, once the English have won...But, if I truly am illegitimate, give me a sign, give me a victory, give me anything to let me know that the crown belongs to me! Do this, and You will help to ease the burden that weighs upon my heart.

He genuflects, "Amen."

Then rising solemnly, he took the candle and headed towards bed, now that he have brought up his problem to God.

Tuesday February 23, 1429 Vaucouleurs

So Joan chose February 23 to start for Chinon and her DESTINY(I meant to do that). The early morning air was filled was filled by a thick fog that wrapped and lingered around them like a ghost. Yet, it was a blessing, since it would help to conceal them from the enemy bands roaming the roads. Bertrand and Jean were semi-armed with swords, knee and thigh plates, and breastplates and helmets.

They were checking on their horses when Joan and Scatty arrived, equipped and ready for the long journey that they were about to embark on. Both wore heavy woolen, hooded cloaks. Joan wore a felt cap, while Scatty was fully armored in black and silver armor. Joan's longsword hung from a leather sheathe at her side, so were Scatty's short swords. (I'm assuming that Scatty didn't have nun-chucks at this time)

"Well, well", remarked Jean. "Very punctual aren't we?"

"Thank you again, Jean and Bertrand. We really appreciate your help", said Joan happily. "Right, Scatty?"

Scatty nodded affirmatively. "Right!"

Jean and Bertrand then introduced them to the others who were also coming along. Julian and Jean de Honecourt were brothers who also worked for Badricourt. They were busy with tying the supplies to the pack-horses, but the animals' rebellion made it difficult.

"Hey! You guys need a hand?", asked Scatty.

"Sure, be our guest", replied Julian while panting heavily.

Scatty smirks, then assumed her most stern face. She went right up the rebellious animal and looked it directly in the eye. The hardy packhorse returned her stare with equal intensity.

"What do you reckon she's doing", wondered Jean out loud, scratching his head in bewilderment.

"How the heck should I know?", said his brother.

Scatty and the donkey kept this up for a few seconds until...SMACK!

Scatty just slapped that donkey on the face! "BEHAVE!", she yelled at it.

The donkey's ears drooped and the once bold animal just whimpered, and made a slow, sort of nodding movement with its head, like a child harshly scolded by his mother. Scatty then walked away triumphant, leaving Jean and Julian mystified. However, they soon got back to work, with absolutely no resistance from the animal.

Richard the Archer, and Colet de Vienne, the Dauphin's messenger, were also joining them for the journey. Now that they only have a few more minutes inside the safe, strong walls of Vaucouleurs, Jean and Bertrand weren't as joyous as they were last night. For the full force of the dangers and risks of this journey have finally entered their brains.

Their fears were confirmed when Colet warned them about the many roving bands of English and Burgundian soldiers. He claimed that it was purely through God's intervention that he made it to Valcouleurs alive. They then decided to not take any chances, and stuffed rags into the hollow of their horses' hooves, to deaden the sound they make. The last thing they wanted to do was draw attention to themselves. They were also worried about Joan and Scatty's safety, but knew that they could easily defend themselves. Their performance at the duel was quite impressive.

Baudricourt then emerged from the castle just as the group were mounting their steeds. He slowly walked over and adressed them, "I want all of you to swear right here, that you will guard this girl with your life and take her safely to Chinon!"

"We swear!"

Scatty reared in her horse next to him. "So old man, are you going to miss us?"

"Not a chance!", he scoffed. Then with a loud voice, he ordered for the iron gate to be opened. As they were about to leave, he came over to Joan and said, "Go, go and let