THE GIRL SOLDIER WHO SAVED FRANCE

                ^{THE GIRL SOLDIER WHO SAVED FRANCE}  

^{France’s King Charles’ army was being defeated by the British. He sat gloomily in the camp. It looked like France would be won by the British soon. He heard a noisy disturbance outside. It was a young girl of about 16 or 17 on horseback. Her hair was cut short like a boy’s and she was dressed like a soldier.}

^{“God has sent me to save France, Sire” she said loudly.}

^{Everyone laughed. The King and the girl alone kept quiet.}

^{“What’s your name, maiden?” asked the King.}

^{“I am called Jeanne d ’Arc (say: Zhann dhaark), Sire.” She replied.}

 

^{Jeanne led the France army to great victories. Soon the British were driven back from most of France. Charles VII was crowned King of France. Jeanne however, was captured by the British. They said she was a witch; how else could a mighty army be defeated by an army led by such a young girl?}

^{Jeanne d’Arc was burnt at the stake for witchcraft in 1431 CE.}

^{She was only 19 years old.}