Part 1 begins when Norman Leslie flees Fife after becoming involved in a violent incident and travels to France, where he encounters the mysterious friar Brother Thomas and survives a series of dangers before reaching Chinon. He enters the service of the French court and falls in love with Elliot, the daughter of a painter, but quarrels, misunderstandings, and secret plots repeatedly place his honour and life in danger. After a period of despair, an apparent miracle associated with Saint Catherine restores his courage, and he joins the army led by Joan of Arc on its march to relieve the besieged city of Orléans. During the battles at Les Augustins and the bridge over the Loire, Norman witnesses Joan’s faith, leadership, and extraordinary power to inspire her soldiers while developing into a courageous warrior himself. His journey from private guilt and romantic uncertainty leads to military victory, reconciliation with Elliot, and a hopeful conclusion to the first half.
